A Qualitative Analysis of Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA): The Vermont Model of Restorative Reentry and Reintegration

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

Abstract

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a community-based, non-professional model developed to assist higher-risk offenders returning to communities. The model, designed as a reentry support team for individuals convicted of sex offenses, has been applied to other types of serious offending in Vermont. Though variability exists across community-based CoSAs, the Vermont model centers on a coordinated approach of non-professional networks (i.e. volunteers) to support the core member (i.e., reentering individual), supplemented by a network of professionals that provide targeted assistance to volunteers. The non-professional network is distinct from corrections or law enforcement, but functions with the same community safety concerns in mind. Here, we draw from a qualitative study of 21Vermont-based CoSAs. Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were conducted with core members, CoSA volunteers, and reentry coordinators. Findings suggest that CoSA has a significant impact on participants and fills the gap between institutional programming and compliance and community supervision

Author

• Kathy Fox, University of Vermont