Begun in October 1981, the program in its first 11 months has received 127 referrals and has accepted 68 defendants. No defendants have been unsuccessful in completing the program, which indicates that the screening process is accurate. Hours assigned have ranged from 10 to 80, with most defendants working 30 to 40 hours. Defendants have worked at collecting garbage, street repair, painting lines on the streets, putting up and repairing traffic signs, maintaining sewers, sweeping/mopping, mowing lawns, general painting, collecting debris, and working with children in a day care center. The program does not accept any defendants charged with person-oriented crimes. Final approval for participation in the program is given by any judge in any particular court from which the Social Services Department, Circuit Court of Cook County, receives referrals. The hours assigned to the program are based on the Caseload Assessment Tool. During the program's first 11 months, 30 muncipalities have chosen to participate. Footnotes and 19 references are supplied.