In order for a community service scheme to represent restorative justice, and promote active responsibility, it should include some or all of the following principles:

• The service should link the offender with their offense and the victims, if not directly, than symbolically.
• The service should meet a clearly defined need that is obvious to offenders.
• Probation staff and community service supervisors should focus on outcomes and view the offenders as resources rather than problems.
• The activity should provide opportunities for offenders to learn from conventional adults, especially in cases involving juveniles.
• The service should provide a sense of accomplishment and community recognition for the offender.
• The offenders should be involved in the planning and execution of the service/project.

In general, sanctions under a restorative justice framework “would establish a new hierarchy of values which gives priority to restoring the victim and community over punishment of the offender” and would hold the “offender directly accountable to the victim” or victims.  Such a framework would also involve community participation in the healing process of both the victim and offender and in holding the offender accountable for the offense.