There is some evidence of leniency at court following restorative interventions. Ideally, restitution enables the offender to both make reparation and to put things right with the victim. Few community service programs incorporate restorative principles. In fact, many community service programs have been implemented without any theory that relates programs to objectives. Satisfaction is most apparent when offenders believe they are given meaningful work to do, learn useful skills, and feel that their service benefits others.
Research suggests that restitution and community service are associated with positive outcomes.
Identifying successful outcomes is relatively easy. However, it is more difficult to ascertain what program elements, or combination thereof, are responsible for the outcome.