CoSA stands for Circles of Support and Accountability.
CoSA is a community-based reintegration program inspired by restorative justice principles. We support people who have committed sexual offences as they return to the community after incarceration, helping them build safe, healthy and accountable lives while reducing the risk of future harm.
Our goal is simple:
No More Victims.
Our Approach
CoSA Ottawa brings together Core Members, trained community volunteers and staff to create a Circle of Support and Accountability.
A Circle typically includes one Core Member and two to three trained and screened community volunteers. Together, they meet regularly to support successful reintegration and promote community safety.
Participation in CoSA is voluntary.
Volunteers provide consistent human connection, practical assistance, encouragement and accountability. They help Core Members navigate the challenges of returning to the community while developing the skills, relationships and supports needed to build a meaningful and pro-social life.
At the same time, Circle members are willing to have difficult conversations, challenge problematic attitudes and behaviours, recognize warning signs and communicate concerns with CoSA staff when necessary.
Support and accountability work together to help prevent future harm.
Our History
CoSA began in 1994 in Hamilton, Ontario, when a group of community volunteers came together to support a person returning home after incarceration for a sexual offence.
That first Circle became the foundation for a community-based approach to reintegration that has since expanded across Canada and internationally.
Over the years, CoSA sites across Canada have supported thousands of people returning to the community after incarceration for sexual offences.
CoSA Ottawa has been part of this work for more than two decades, bringing trained community volunteers together with Core Members to promote successful reintegration and safer communities.
The Circle Method
Building relationships. Supporting change. Preventing harm.
The Circle method is at the heart of CoSA.
A Core Member works with their Circle on a regular basis, for a minimum of one year and often much longer.
Volunteers support Core Members by:
- Providing consistent emotional support and human connection;
- Helping connect Core Members with housing, employment, health and community resources;
- Role modelling healthy and pro-social choices;
- Helping develop constructive strategies for everyday challenges;
- Supporting positive relationships and community involvement;
- Recognizing strengths, skills, interests and accomplishments;
- Challenging attitudes, behaviours and choices that may increase risk; and
- Recognizing warning signs and communicating concerns with staff.
The Circle provides a consistent network of support while maintaining a strong focus on accountability and community safety.
More Than a Circle
CoSA Ottawa also creates opportunities for Core Members and volunteers to participate in community activities, facilitated discussions and social programming.
These opportunities encourage learning, positive social interaction and community connection while helping Core Members develop healthy relationships and meaningful activities.
Reducing isolation and strengthening positive social connections are important parts of successful reintegration.
Why CoSA Matters
Successful reintegration makes communities safer.
Returning to the community after incarceration can be challenging. People may face housing instability, unemployment, isolation, poverty and limited social supports.
CoSA helps address these challenges by providing something that can be difficult to find after incarceration: a consistent community of people who offer both support and accountability.
CoSA does not minimize or excuse past harm. Instead, the program focuses on preventing future harm by helping Core Members recognize risk, make responsible choices and build lives that support positive change.
CoSA Works
Research conducted over several decades has found that participation in CoSA can significantly reduce sexual and general reoffending compared with appropriate comparison groups.
The evidence supporting the CoSA model has contributed to its adoption in communities across Canada and internationally.
Explore the Research
Our Goal
CoSA Ottawa is committed to building safer communities through meaningful support, accountability and successful reintegration.
Every Circle is different. Every Core Member has different challenges, strengths and goals.
But the purpose remains the same: