Community Service Orders (CSO)

Supports adults (18+) that are sentenced by the courts to complete a set amount of community service hours as a condition of a probation order. They are supervised by a Probation Officer and are assigned a St. Leonard’s Justice Worker who connects individuals with community agencies in order for them to complete their hours.

We partner with a number of non-profit organizations to provide supervised volunteer placements for our clients to complete their community service hours. Examples:  Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Industries, Boys & Girls Club, St. Joe’s Soup Kitchen, etc.

Due to COVID-19 forcing the closure of many placements, we have expanded the available options and began offering alternatives for our clients to complete their hours. Some options include home projects (birdhouses, knitted hats, and blankets, art projects, etc.) donations, and online training courses.

Community Service fosters a sense of social responsibility in clients and allows them to gain a sense of pride through serving the community. It also instills a work ethic and provides the opportunity for clients to develop and expand upon potential interests and skills.

Why am I ordered to do community service?

Community service is providing work at no cost in order to benefit the public or community. Some benefits of community service include:

  • Giving back to the community in a constructive way
  • Developing an increased sense of social responsibility
  • Building relationships and fostering social connectedness with others
  • Improves lifelong communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills
  • Assists people in finding their interests and passions

How do I begin my community service order?

Contact a St. Leonard’s Justice Worker in the Adult Community Service Order Program to schedule the first intake appointment at 519-850-3777 x 222.  This appointment takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

How long do I have to complete my community service hours?

The amount of hours and the length of time to complete the hours are determined by the courts. However, individuals have the choice to complete their hours as soon as possible.  Upon completion of these hours the file is closed and returned back to probation.

My experience was overall positive, productive, and rewarding.

CSO Participant