Project Payback

In collaboration with our partners, we offer Project Payback services primarily to hold youth offenders accountable to pay back their victims for any financial losses resulting from the youth’s criminal behavior. The program strives to do this through work projects that are meaningful to the community and simultaneously build the work and social competencies of the referred youth.

We are committed to:

• applying the values and principles of balanced and restorative justice in our practice
• providing a positive work environment for youth
• expanding and cultivating meaningful community partnerships, involvement, and projects
• holding youth offenders accountable to fulfill their restitution obligations to Clackamas County victims of juvenile offenses
• supporting youth in developing practical job skills, expanding pro-social attitudes, and strengthening confidence to find meaningful employment

Program Benefits

• Paid work opportunities for youth to fulfill their restitution obligations.
• Low-cost, meaningful projects in communities throughout Clackamas County:
  • trail building and maintenance;
  • restoring the natural habitat of streams;
  • invasive species removal;
  • environmental reclamation; and,
  • public space enhancement and maintenance.
• Youth build capacity for being pro-social members of Clackamas County’s emerging work force.
• Youth work side-by-side with community volunteers.
• Strengthens peer-to-peer relationship skills.

Crew schedules and Information

Flex Crew

Flex Work Crews on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Youth are to meet at 2106 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR 97045, directly across from the Juvenile department. If you are running late or are going to be absent, call the Juvenile Department.

10-Week Crew and Special Projects Crew

10-Week and Special Project Crews are coordinated based on rotating and evolving contracts, and are therefore in different locations and scheduled for different times.

Expectations

• Be present and on time
• Wear appropriate clothing
• No cigarettes, tobacco, matches, lighters, weapons or sharp instruments
• No use of cell phones or mp3 devices
• Treat others with respect
• No inappropriate language, gestures or remarks

Partners

What are the Benefits of Becoming a Project Payback Partner?

• Low cost work crews consisting of at least two adult staff and between 4 to 8 youth
• Strengthens the community through providing support to at-risk youth:
  • provides income to youth offenders to pay back their victims
  • provides job-skill learning opportunities
• Crew members are compelled and motivated to be efficient and provide high quality outcomes.
• Low-maintenance partnership.

What Kinds of Projects are Ideal?

To successfully meet all the goals of the program, Project Payback gives priority to partners which emphasize and provide projects that:

• provide relief and support to community members in need
• enhance and beautify public spaces
• support community events or activities
• build infrastructure for public spaces
• engage advanced skill sets which can be taught to crew members

Some examples of projects have included:

• construction of a natural habitat look-out pavilion
• development and installation of automatic watering system
• construction of walkway fencing;
• clearing and maintaining walking, hiking, and bike trails
• environmental reclamation

Become a Partner

Please contact us, and ask for the Project Payback coordintor to initiate this process.