Volunteer with CoSA (Circles of Support and Accountability)
A circle of support and accountability is a small group of volunteers that assists a released sex offender to establish a responsible, healthy a law-abiding lifestyle after incarceration. In return the Core Member agrees to live responsibly and be accountable for his behaviour.
Though volunteers may experience some apprehension as they consider meeting with sex offenders, the group-setting has proven to be safe and supportive for everyone involved. Further to this, volunteers are provided with thorough orientation and training prior to joining a CoSA.
Volunteers come together as a group (aka ‘circle’) to offer support. The initial two to three months after the offender’s release may require a few hours of commitment per week. As the offender (also called Core Member) becomes more comfortable in the community, the demands on the circle decreases.
Following is a quote from a CoSA volunteer:
I must admit that I was a bit skeptical when I first joined a CoSA wondering what good this would actually do in the life of someone who has just been released from prison. Especially since it appeared that we were merely to meet and chat. I found myself asking, “How will a weekly coffee and group chat help an individual get back on their feet and prevent further offenses?” What I found is that in comradery, we began to find or build commonality. Oh sure, the first couple of meetings were a bit stiff and less than relaxing, but that changed soon enough. There are things that happen in the meetings every week that produce some intangible yet very real relational effects. It is in the weekly comradery of conversation and accountability that seeds of trust and compassion are planted.