Room 517-C | Research on Sexual Offenders Monday, July 11, 2005 Time: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM |
Circles of Support and Accountability: 10 Years and Counting.
Wilson, Robin*,1, 1 Correctional Service of Canada, Central District Parole, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
ABSTRACT- It has now been 10 years since we began using Circles of Support & Accountability (COSA), a model of professionally-facilitated volunteerism, to assist in the community integration of high-risk sexual offenders. What began as an ad hoc response to a media firestorm and resultant community outrage has become something of a "tried and true" means by which to decrease recidivism while increasing community cohesion. Significant documentatin now exists as to the means by which COSAs are established and maintained. Projects in international jusrisdictions are also now starting to produce materials supportive of the model. In particular, Circles of Support and Accountability in the Thames Valley (UK) has recently released an impressive Interim Report. Otherwise, an international COSA network has been established in which information and advice is shared in a true spirit of community and a belief that, together, like-minded citizens and professionals can increase safety for society's most vulnerable. A formal evaluation of the COSA Pilot Project in South-Central Ontario (Canada) has now been completed. The quantitative results show that involvement in a COSA can reduce sexual recidivism by more than 60%, in comparison to either actuarial norms (STATIC-99) or matched controls not in a COSA. Harm reduction effects have also been witnessed, with each of the COSA sexual recidivists having reoffended in a categorically less severe manner that the offense which precipitated their involvement in the project. Qualitatively, the COSA pilot project has had a profound effect on the community in South-Central Ontario, for both citizens and offenders. The project continues to garner favourable press and the support of law enforcement agencies. Similar results have been observed in other Canadian COSA projects, specifically, those in Victoria, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Ottawa, Ontario. This presentation will briefly outline the rationale and mechanics associated with COSA development and maintenance and will present data regarding project effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Key words: sexual offenders, treatment, recidivism, Circles of Support & Accountability (COSA)