Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a community-based initiative operating on restorative justice principles.  CoSA assists people who have served a prison sentence for a sexual offence(s) and request CoSA’s help to prevent further offending.  CoSA-Ottawa is one of currently 18 Canadian cities operating CoSA programs, representing approximately 150 to 200 Circles that aim to:

• Prevent further victimization through accountability; and
• Assist former offenders to become increasingly responsible and productive individuals through support.

CoSA works with former offenders, who we refer to as “Core Members”, who have been held in prison to the end of their sentence and typically have little or no community support and are considered a high-risk to re-offend.  Core Members participate voluntarily, and must therefore commit to leading a positive, crime-free life.

The Core Member and three to five community volunteers comprise the Circle.  They meet individually and as a group on a regular basis to:

• Support the Core Member’s community reintegration by facilitating his practical needs (i.e. access to medical services, social assistance, seeking employment/affordable housing, etc.) and by providing a consistent network of emotional support;
• Develop constructive and pro-social strategies and solutions to everyday problems and concerns as well as celebrate successes, and
• Challenge the Core Member’s behaviours and attitudes that may be associated with his offending cycle.