COMMUNITY SERVICE

MISSION STATEMENT

The Community Service Program for the United States Probation Office in the Southern District of Florida is committed to maintaining a quality program that will be valued for its efficiency and integrity. We will serve the Court by appropriately referring, placing, and monitoring Court ordered defendants/offenders at participating agencies, which will benefit all participants, thus achieving a successful outcome.

Community Service is a non-salaried service by the offender for a set period of time to a civic or non-profit organization which may be ordered by the court as a condition of probation or supervised release.

Community Service is defined by our Court as a service provided by offenders to the community through civic or non-profit organizations. Pursuant to statutory provision, 18 U.S.C. § 3563(b)(12), the Courts can order a defendant to “work in community service as directed by the court�.


GUIDING PRINCIPLES

EXECUTE THE ORDERS OF THE COURT

CREATE A POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH VOLUNTEER SERVICE

RESTORE HOPE THROUGH SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

PARTNER WITH ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE RESTORATION TO THE

COMMUNITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Through a shared common goal and mission of Community Service, we can improve our community for all to value and appreciate.


CRITERIA FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE SITES
The organization must not discriminate in the acceptance of volunteers on the basis of race, religion, age, or sex/gender.

The organization must be a government agency, or nonprofit, tax exempt, and not primarily politically partisan.

If the organization is a membership organization, its primary purpose must not be to serve the economic or social needs of its members.

Referrals to agencies that service minors under the age of 18 may be processed for placement, however,  the offender should not have direct contact with minors.

If referred to a religious entity, the community service performed must be for the benefit of the public at large, rather than just the religious organization itself.

The organization must provide a description of the community service duties to be performed. These duties must not seriously jeopardize the safety and health of the offender or the community.

Agencies must allow a personal visit by the probation officer in cases with more than 50 hours of community service.

The work performed by defendants/offenders should not displace paid workers.

Those offenders who pose a third-party risk must be screened carefully for any potential conflict. The officer must notify the Community Service Site and the agency of any potential risk or conflict.
CONTACT INFORMATION

Yamilee Sanchez
Sr. U.S. Probation Officer
Community Service Specialist

Southern Centre
12900 S.W. 128 Street
Miami, FL 33186-6274

(305) 259-1309 - Office
(786) 269-3475 - Cellular
(305) 259-1359 - Fax