Our volunteer training program is conducted twice annually – in the fall and the spring. For more information, visit the Training page.
Due to the current situation regarding COVID-19, we have made the unfortunate but necessary decision to postpone our Spring volunteer training. The safety of our trainers and participants is, of course, of the utmost importance and, as a result, we believe that postponing the training to a later date is in everyone’s best interests. Once we have new dates, we will be sure to announce it. Thank you for your continued interest and support – we greatly appreciate it!
Volunteer Training – Spring 2020
Free Admittance (Minimum age 21)
Dates for the Spring 2020 training listed below are subject to change.
Please email admin@cosa-ottawa.ca for more information or to register.
TRAINING LOCATION: Bronson Centre (211 Bronson Avenue)
BASIC TRAINING
- Fundamentals of Circles of Support and Accountability
Presenters: CoSA-Ottawa staff
- The ‘life of a circle’ & circle functioning; volunteer expectations and responsibilities
- Volunteer code of conduct; confidentiality; group dynamics; communication; boundaries and self-care
- Tracking and reporting
- CoSA video
2. Legal Controls for Sex Offenders
Presenter: Det. Ron McCarthy, Ottawa Police Service (High Risk Offender Unit)
- Police Controls (810 Orders, Public Notification, Sex Offender Registry)
- Community Supervision (for those on Long Term Supervision Order)
3. Introduction to Sexual Offending
Presenters: Natasha Knack, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Sexual Behaviours Clinic and Dr. Geris Serran, Psychologist, Correctional Services of Canada
4. Victim’s Perspective
Presenter: Rick Goodwin, Clinical Director, Men & Healing www.menandhealing.ca
Following the Basic Training (sessions #1-4), we will conduct our volunteer screening process including an interview with the coordinator and two Board members, references will be checked and successful applicants will be asked to obtain a Police Check (cost waived to CoSA volunteers). Approved volunteers will then proceed to the final session.
5. Practical Applications of CoSA (with active and new, approved volunteers)
Facilitated by CoSA-Ottawa Staff
- Mock Circle meeting role play (with experienced volunteers)
- A core member’s story
- Discussion and Q&A (common challenges, what works, working intentionally with a core member, etc.)
