Circles of support and accountability (CoSA): a review of the development of CoSA and its international implementation

Abstract

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) was initially developed in Canada as a community-based programme designed to assist in the community reintegration of individuals who are deemed at high or very high risk of sexual recidivism. This article outlines the historical foundations and frameworks of the CoSA model, and examines the recruitment and training of CoSA volunteers. It reviews the impact that CoSA has on recidivism, as well as the psycho-social implications of the model on the former offenders participating in CoSA (the ‘Core Members’), volunteers, and the community at large. International implementation of CoSA is addressed by a review of project initiatives undertaken around the world. This article concludes by addressing the future directions of CoSA, both within Canada and internationally.

Keywords:

• Circles of Support and Accountability
• reintegration
• restorative justice
• recidivism
• social support
• international

Disclosure statement

NA, LM, and JPF report no conflict of interests. BW is the trustee of a UK charity delivering Circles of Support and Accountability; she is also leading the national UK evaluation of Big Lottery funded Community-based Circles of Support and Accountability.