Virtual Circles of Support and Accountability (Virtual CoSA) has been proven to reduce reoffending by 86%. While CoSA has been supporting reintegrating Canadian sexual offenders for 30 years, Virtual CoSA is a unique, modern programme responding to the needs of the client as we reach out to individuals with disabilities, those in remote communities and even those who are still incarcerated. Just as telehealth has been proven to be effective in providing primary medical care in most situations, our data shows that this applies to CoSA as well.
About Us
Letters of Support
Click on the above pdf to read letters of support for Virtual CoSA.
What does Virtual CoSA do?
1. Virtual CoSA connects our 'core member' with basic resources, as needed: shelter, food banks, health care (physical and mental), employment, spiritual guidance, etc.
2. Building on what the core member learned from Correctional Services of Canada, Virtual CoSA helps them identify and understand the patterns that led to them committing sexual harm.
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3. Virtual CoSA listens. We encourage the core member to speak openly and honestly. We do not judge.
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4. Virtual CoSA holds the core member accountable. We challenge inconsistencies and cognitive distortions.
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5. Virtual CoSA demonstrates pro-social behaviour--how to handle social situations and how to make acquaintances (which may become friends).
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6. Virtual CoSA inspires and motivates a deeper understanding of self, emotions and needs. We support the core member as they learn about themselves.
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7. Virtual CoSA celebrates each positive step the core member takes towards being accountable for their actions and towards reintegrating into their community.
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8. Virtual CoSA prepares the core member for restorative justice. While the core member's primary victim(s) may not choose to be part of a restorative justice encounter, the core member is prepared to face their community with honesty and integrity.
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Two videos from our volunteers:
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Contact
Joy Steem
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Sheila van den Heuvel-Collins
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Virtual Circles of Support and Accountability
PO Box 40017
RPO Charlotte
Peterborough, ON
K9J 8R9
782.409.5030
January 21, 2025
Open Letter of Support for Circles of Support and Accountability
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In my view, Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is the single most important innovation in community corrections in the past 50 years. It represents the ideal model of community corrections whereby pro-social members of the community engage constructively with individuals who are returning to the community to build relationships and life skills that support their safe reintegration.
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When compared with other community-based programs that support reintegration of individuals re-entering the community, CoSA is remarkable in five important respects. First, it provides a total “wrap-around” service, from the moment of discharge from penitentiary, that addresses the full range of physical and social needs including assistance with obtaining clothing, housing, transportation, connection to health and social services, and social engagement. Second, CoSA brings these individuals into contact with pro-social members of the community - selected and trained volunteers - in a circle model that fosters healthy, safe relationships based on trust that assist the individual in building a purposeful life free of crime. Third, it provides these intensive services to individuals who, because their crimes caused sexual victimization, pose a particular concern to the public. Fourth, grounded in restorative justice principles, CoSA promotes meaningful accountability of these individuals to the community to prevent further harm. Finally, there is a solid body of research evidence that shows that participation in a CoSA circle results in significant reductions in recidivism compared with those released to the community without involvement with CoSA. Furthermore, findings from cost-benefit analyses of CoSA have demonstrated substantial savings in criminal justice system costs associated with the avoidance of further criminal behaviour and victimization.
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From a public policy perspective, I consider CoSA to be the perfect community partner for Correctional Service Canada in fulfilling its mission to contribute to public safety “by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens.” Actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens is precisely what CoSA volunteer members are doing when they form a circle of support and accountability around an individual who has been released to the community following a lengthy period of incarceration. This is community corrections at its finest.
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While this model program has expanded and flourished in many other countries (see for example, Circles UK, at https://circles-uk.org.uk) it has not been recognized in Canada as the groundbreaking innovation that it is and has not been funded sufficiently to realize its full potential. For individual donors, private sector corporations, and funding organizations that are interested in investing in community safety and well-being, CoSA is an excellent choice for that investment.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Cormier, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Former Senior Director, Corrections Research and Community Development,
Public Safety Canada
Former Executive Director, National Crime Prevention Centre, Public Safety Canada
A Possible Expiry Date
Unfortunately, our funding is not guaranteed beyond July 2025. With that in mind, we will not be accepting new clients unless we can guarantee their Circles can be smoothly transferred to a stable CoSA site. This will ensure Core Members are properly supported throughout their reintegration.
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That said, we are still accepting applications and beginning new Circles.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Donate
Virtual CoSA is only funded by Public Safety Canada until July 2025. If you would like to support Virtual CoSA, donations can be made via CoSA Canada. Please click here, and add 'for Virtual CoSA' in message.
