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CoSA's mission is to substantially reduce the risk of criminal re-offending by assisting, supporting and motivating them to integrate back into the community and to lead safe, responsible, healthy and accountable lives. Each circle consists of a former offender, referred to as a "core member", along with three to five screened and trained volunteers.
In 2010, a Community Foundation of Ottawa grant supported CoSA-Ottawa's Investing in Community project for capacity-building through community engagement and volunteer training. With the primary objective of "No More Victims", the project allowed CoSA-Ottawa to expand on its volunteer recruitment and training program to better equip its volunteers in assisting people who have been incarcerated for committing sex crimes to move from a criminal lifestyle to a pro-social and productive one.
Operating on a shoe-string budget, and with seven core members currently in its program, CoSA-Ottawa was in dire need of strengthened volunteer support. "Our volunteers are central to the success of this program," says Susan Love, Program Coordinator of CoSA-Ottawa, "and it is crucial to provide them with the level of training that is consistent with the work they undertake. The grant from the Community Foundation of Ottawa allowed us to achieve that. Helping volunteers understand how to maintain the delicate balance between support and accountability is what makes CoSA a unique alternative to other punitive and incapacitating approaches."
In order to be accepted as a core member of CoSA, each former offender signs a covenant with his volunteers to commit to the terms of the program, including being involved for a minimum of one year. Members must have a two-fold motivation for joining: to make an honest attempt at living responsibly and productively, and, most importantly, never to harm another person again. Since the Ottawa program was launched in 1998, 30 men have been involved with CoSA and none have re-offended sexually. Research has shown a 70-80% reduction in the rate of re-offending among people involved with the program across the country, compared to those who have not been involved with a CoSA. There are currently 18 Canadian cities operating CoSA programs, representing almost 150 Circles, with 450 volunteers investing approximately 4,000 volunteer hours per month.
"The CoSA program exposes core members to a genuine, caring relationship - often for the first time in their lives," says Susan. "They are trying to re-adjust or re-build a shattered life, and are struggling with feelings of isolation, rejection, shame and fear. But the inclusion and sense of belonging that arises out of circle relationships based on sharing and trust are those that truly make a difference in the lives of our core members."
In their own words, here's how core members, volunteers and correctional service workers describe the CoSA experience:
- "My first experience with CoSA came after my release from prison after 16+years of incarceration. I was made to feel instantly welcome and safe. Even though I have only been out a short time now, I can already see the changes in my outlook on life and feel the positive effects from the volunteers who work with me. They provide a bridge in crossing over from criminal behaviours, attitudes and misguided beliefs to a more positive outlook on life and a realisation of my full potential to become a productive and safe member of society. - Core Member
- "I used to be like everyone else. I hated these guys. Then I met one. I realized pretty quickly that he's just like me. He's a human being just like I am. Once I understood that, I could not turn my back on him. I hate what he's done but if he's willing to do his part, I'm willing to be there to help him. I don't want there to be any more victims." - Volunteer
- "While speaking with some individuals who I presently monitor/manage in the community, it is very evident that the role CoSA has played in their lives has been invaluable. I strongly believe that if CoSA were not involved in their lives, there is a very good chance that some of these individuals would (have) little chance at a successful transition into the community." Ottawa police detective
For more information about CoSA-Ottawa, visit www.cosa-ottawa.ca.
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