Working to Pay Their Debt to Society

Implemented in 1998 and funded by the Gaston County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, the Juvenile Restitution Program supervises court ordered first time offenders, under the age of 17, while they “work” to pay their debt to their victims. This work occurs in various locations around the county like the YMCA, DHHS, and Gaston County Parks & Recreation Departments. Typical work activities are cleaning or picking up trash while supervised by a caring adult. Being held responsible for their actions convinces 96% of the youth to never re-offend.