Community service order

A court can sentence you to a community service order if you are found guilty or plead guilty to an offence.

A community service order means you have to do unpaid work in the community for the number of hours the court has ordered.

You must:

• finish doing your community service hours within the timeframe stated on your order
• not re-offend while on the order.

Doing community service can help you learn new skills. It’s a good idea to let your caseworker know about your interests before you are matched with a community service agency. They may be able to place you with an agency that does work you’re interested in and would like to get skills in.

Community service order conditions

You must report in person to your departmental officer within 1 business day (Monday to Friday only) of the order being made unless the court agrees to a longer period.

• You must not break the law.
• You must do the work in a satisfactory way.
• You must follow all reasonable directions of your caseworker or youth worker.
• You or your parent must let your caseworker know if you change your address within 2 business days of moving.
• You must get permission from your caseworker to leave Queensland while you’re on the community service order.

What to expect from your community service order

Before you start your community service order you will be told:

• what your work will be
• the place where you’ll work
• how to get there
• when you have to be there and for how long.

You’ll have a supervisor with you where you work. Your caseworker will check your progress with your supervisor while you are on the order.

What should you bring?

If you are working outside, you will need a hat and sunscreen.

• Your supervisor or caseworker will let you know if you need to have any protective clothing or equipment. Protective clothing or equipment may be supplied by the agency or by the Queensland Government and must be used as directed.
• Take enough food and water to last for your whole work day.

Do not bring:

• alcohol
• illegal drugs
• weapons
• your mates.

What if I can’t go?

You must have a very good reason for not going to your community service agency when you are supposed to. If you’re sick and can’t go, you’ll be asked to provide a medical certificate. You must also contact your caseworker and supervisor to let them know.

Problems with the work

If you’re having problems with your community service work you must tell your caseworker and supervisor as soon as possible. Your supervisor will tell your caseworker how many hours of community service you’ve done and if you’re doing the work properly.