In 6 years, the program has grown to 17 centers with a combined bed capacity of more than 700 residents. During the day, center residents work in the community and return to the center afterwards. Residents use their wages to pay for room and board, transportation, court and probation costs, victim restitution, and child support. Although 75 percent of those entering centers from 1984 to 1988 were unemployed, only 25 percent were unemployed at discharge. Over this same period, nearly half a million hours of community service were performed by center residents. Translated into savings for the community at the minimum wage rate, this amounted to over $1.6 million. Over this period, a total of $480,866 was paid to crime victims; $376,548 went for court costs, fines, and fees; and $368,440 was paid for probation fees. For room, board, and transportation, the savings to the State was $4,530,081. When compared to incarceration costs, the restitution center program is cost-effective.