Alberta

Mission Statement

To substantially reduce the risk of future victimization of community members by assisting and supporting high risk released individuals in their task of integrating with the community and leading responsible, productive and accountable lives.

What is CoSA?

Circles of Support and Accountability are groups of four to seven volunteers who are primarily from the faith community. They are committed to enhancing public safety by supporting community re-entry for former high risk offenders through covenanting, meeting and walking daily with them. The full Circle meets on a regular basis. It serves both as a caring community offering support, and as a responsible community, concerned that public safety not be compromised. CoSA acknowledges the ongoing pain and need for healing of survivors of abuse. 

Read the current edition of Bar None.

 

Ontario

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Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) video

Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA): Volunteers meet with individuals with sexual offending histories, helping them transition back into communities.
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Through Circles of Support and Accountability, teams of volunteers and staff, supported by professionals, meet with men and women with histories of sexual offending to hold them accountable for their actions and support them as they reintegrate into the community after release from prison.

I was a stranger and you welcomed me…I was in prison and you visited me….

~ Matthew 25:36.

The result of Circles of Support and Accountability is fewer victims of violent and sexual crimes across the country. Circles of Support and Accountability​ makes a significant contribution to safer streets and communities through enhanced public safety and protection of Canadians. Evidence gathered indicates:

  • 83% reduction in recidivism for sexual offences
  • 73% reduction in recidivism for all types of violent offenses
  • 71% overall reduction of in all types of recidivism in comparison to matched groups of offenders who did not have a Circles of Support and Accountability.