In response to a recommendation from the Government Advisory Council on the Penal System, the community service order was allowed as a sentence under the Criminal Justice Act (1972), and experimental schemes were established in six counties in 1973. It became popular with the courts because it provided elements of punishment and reparation. The pilot programs also indicated that community service orders are administratively viable and are best handled by the probation service. The Powers of Criminal Courts Act (1973) provides for the establishment of schemes in all counties in England and Wales. From 1975, community service schemes have been available to courts in most large urban areas and in some rural areas. In 1983 the law was modified to provide for community service for 16-year-old juvenile offenders as well as to those age 17 and above. In addition to the expansion of the availability of the community service order, growth in the number of orders issued by the courts has continued. Data tables present the number of orders for 1976-83 by age, offense, previous criminal record, sex, and number of hours specified. Data on terminations are also provided. 5 tables, 10 references.