Community Payback Order: Unpaid Work

Interventions suitable for

All persons who are suitable for unpaid work (as per court social work report).

Programme title and provider

Justice social work; unpaid work

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Group work initiatives, opportunity to participate in group work activities, attendance at mental health support, health initiatives. Specific group for vulnerable women held in safe environment.
Examples of unpaid work include working with charitable organisations assisting with cleaning, sorting through donations. Assembly work such as building basic wooden structures – seating, planters, play equipment. Environmental improvements in parks and green spaces such as litter picking, weeding, opening pathways. Gardening and landscaping in residential units, schools, churches and community centres.

Possible Outcomes

Can lead to a feeling of ‘ownership’ of community improvement work.
Individuals carrying out unpaid work report increased self-worth through being involved in rewarding projects that benefit others, as well as improved team working abilities. Participants have the opportunity to learn new practical and social skills both of which support desistance.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Where an individual is suitable for, and could benefit from, unpaid work as a court disposal, a court social work report will state this. Where an individual is given unpaid work as a disposal, justice social work will meet with the individual and identify a suitable programme, activity or training, based on the person’s needs, skills, abilities and interests. This ensures that the disposal has the greatest likelihood of successful completion.