A 17-year-old city boy is getting ready to take his college entrance exam this summer, but he could be sitting in a cell at a juvenile detention facility.
   
The boy, surnamed Zhu, was among the dozens of young offenders who authorities say have benefited from a Changning District program that's designed to separate the kids who need a carrot from those who need a stick.
   
Instead of wasting away in a cell and perhaps being turned into a hardened criminal, Zhu - caught stealing belongings from his high school classmates - was allowed to perform three months of community service helping elderly people in a hospital.
   
Program officials said the boy is thankful for getting the chance to turn his life around.
   
The Changning District People's Court said it was the first court citywide to adopt the new approach to juvenile sentencing, beginning the practice in 2002.
   
Offenders below age 18 who commit minor offenses are eligible, said Jin Wenbin, a court official.
   
"This unique initiative steers juveniles away from prison and aims to provide an opportunity for them to make amends and resolve not to commit crimes in the future," Jin said.
   
Youngsters who are given the Community Service option are required to perform unpaid work anywhere from one to three months, court officials said.
   
The most common assignments are caring for the elderly, general repair work in welfare facilities and neighborhood social work.
   
Jin pointed out that not all young criminals are granted the option. Only 27 have been referred to the program since it began.
   
"We consider only first offenders who committed minor crimes - kids who might be educated through social work."
   
Zhou Chunsheng, a sociologist from Shanghai Teachers University, said community service can be an effective option for youngsters who are not serious criminals.
   
"Rather than prison, they should be given a chance to return to society," Zhou said.
   
The next young person destined for community service is a 17-year-old boy surnamed Zhang, a college student who stole a mobile phone, the court said.
   
Authorities said he will receive his sentence on Monday.
   
(Shanghai Daily April 2, 2005)