Community Service in Lieu of Fees

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

The Women’s Commission division of the Mecklenburg Community Services Department (CSS) operates a batterer intervention program entitled New Options for Violent Actions (NOVA), which has experienced declining initial enrollments and high rates for non-completion due to the inability of unemployed batterers to pay the $16 per session fee. A strong batterer intervention program is viewed as a key component of Mecklenburg’s coordinated community response to domestic violence, and the declining enrollment was cause for concern. In response, CSS, the North Carolina Department of Community Corrections, and the Mecklenburg County courts developed an opportunity for unemployed indigent persons to work in community service positions in lieu of paying the fees. In its first three months, the program has enrolled 17 participants.