A prison-model of CoSA: the potential to offer “through the gate” support and accountability

ABSTRACT

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) are an intervention used to support and enable those who have been convicted of a sexual offence (core member), to reintegrate back into society, whilst still holding them accountable for their behaviour (Cesaroni, 2002). The purpose of this study was to introduce a new prison-model of CoSA and to explore the core members’ perceptions of their release from prison, and subsequent future in the community, prior to it starting. Interviews and repertory grids were carried out with those who had accepted a core member place on this initiative (n = 9). The findings derived from the data highlight the core members’ concerns regarding their pending release from prison, along with a potential turning point towards a more pro-social self. A prison-based model of CoSA may provide support and accountability during this transitional stage, thus helping to counter any isolation experienced and capitalise on any cognitive change.

KEYWORDS:

• CoSA
• sex offenders
• reintegration
• prison
• social support

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Rosie Kitson-Boyce http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9600-1830

Belinda Winder http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9118-679X