No One is Disposable: Sexual Offenders and the Community

• In Event: Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA): Translating Restorative Justice Principles to the Reentry of Sex Offenders

Abstract

Communities are often reluctant to welcome the return of formerly incarcerated individuals convicted of sex offenses. Recent public policy and practice decisions have placed an increased burden on released sex offenders regarding accountability (i.e. registration and notification laws) and interactions within their communities. Unintended consequences of these policies include social isolation and ostracism, both of which are known to increase risk in persons with behavioral health and impulsivity concerns. Due to the unique challenges of this offender population, several international and U.S. communities have implemented the Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) model. Grounded in the principles of the restorative justice philosophy, CoSA facilitates a coordinated interagency approach of reentry centered on community engagement, responsibility, health, and safety. Here, we outline the components of the CoSA model and discuss research that finds significant reduction in recidivism for high-risk sexual offenders participating in CoSA compared to non-participants.

Author

• Robin Wilson, McMaster University