In an 'ad hoc' approach, restitution is ordered on a relatively infrequent basis and, when ordered, it tends to be viewed as a relatively minor part of the probationary requirements with little or no assistance given either to victims or offenders. The findings in this study show, first, that a programmatic approach to restitution in Dane county, Wisconsin clearly increased the likelihood of juveniles repaying victims and increased the amount of restitution paid to victims, in comparison with an ad hoc approach. The second finding was that juveniles who completed their restitution requirements were less likely to reoffend than were youths who did not complete their restitution. A multiple regression analysis indicated that this effect probably was independent of other factors. (Author abstract modified)