Work Camps
Work camps are non-secure residential placements that require delinquent youth to do physical labor. The key objective is to hold delinquent youth accountable for their behavior and help them meet court-ordered obligations to perform community service and pay back victims for the damages they caused.
Facts about Work Camps
- Work projects include: light construction, painting, grounds maintenance (e.g. mowing lawns, planting flowers), fence and trail building, and snow removal.
- The Juvenile Court Judge can order delinquent youth who have failed to complete the conditions of probation or failed other community programs to a work camp.
- Work hours are credited to the youth’s restitution account for the actual work performed.
- Work projects are contracted to local, state, county, and federal government agencies. They also provide services to senior citizens; other special needs programs, and community fundraisers or charity events. Work sites change to meet the needs of the community. Previous work camp sites have included Salt Lake County Aging Services, Camp Williams, Tracy Aviary, and Red Butte Gardens. Private companies cannot contract for work projects.
- Delinquent youth with the following conditions are not appropriate for work camps:
- violent or predatory youth who may physically assault other residents and/or staff;
- history of emotional or psychological problems;
- suicide risk;
- taking psychotropic medication or other medication for depression.