The study began in January 1983. An evaluation team visited 4 centers, interviewed 39 people, did detailed case studies of 2 geographic areas, and did an extensive literature review. The program was found to have been successful during its first 2 years. The most successful placements were in charitable organizations with full-time staff to supervise offenders. The probation and parole agency's employment of some supervisors was partly responsible for the low failure rate of placements in organizations. The supervisors found satisfaction in their work. The relationship between probation officers and the program has yet to be determined. Nearly all offenders performed satisfactorily, and over the 23 months examined, only 6 percent failed to comply with their orders by absconding or breaching their agreements. Offenders did not regard the program as a lenient sanction; instead, they saw it as a fair chance to use skills. Costs were far below that of imprisonment. Judges had positive perceptions of the program. Numerous recommendations, case studies of particular programs, a data table, figures, an appendix covering methodology, and reference lists on the evaluation model and on community service programs in five nations are included.