circles of support and accountability peterborough, ontario march 2012

Circles of Support and Circles of Support and AccountabilityAccountabilityPeterborough, OntarioPeterborough, Ontario

March 2012March 2012

Circles of Support and Circles of Support and AccountabilityAccountability

Part 1: The ModelPart 1: The Model

Part 2: The Practicalities of “How To”Part 2: The Practicalities of “How To”

Circles of Support and Accountability Circles of Support and Accountability . .

CoSA – The ModelCoSA – The Model

Based on “wrap around care”Based on “wrap around care”

Late 1960s to 1970s: early precedents:Late 1960s to 1970s: early precedents:

Originally Canadian (John Brown) Originally Canadian (John Brown) Brownsdale programs, Brownsdale programs,

Kaleidoscope, Chicago (Karl Dennis)Kaleidoscope, Chicago (Karl Dennis)

1985: Alaska Youth Initiative or AYI (John 1985: Alaska Youth Initiative or AYI (John VanDenBerg)VanDenBerg)


Not a “Program”Not a “Program”

Sheds a “service-driven” approach.Sheds a “service-driven” approach.Wraparound is a process, not a service. It Wraparound is a process, not a service. It is a collaborative strategic planning is a collaborative strategic planning process driven by identified needs of process driven by identified needs of an individual human person (i.e. not a person (i.e. not a “population,” or “offender,” “sex offender,” “population,” or “offender,” “sex offender,” or “ex-offender.”or “ex-offender.”The individualized plans are strengths-The individualized plans are strengths-based and needs-driven. based and needs-driven.


Not a “Program”Not a “Program”

Professionals must adopt a new way of Professionals must adopt a new way of thinking in order to work successfully in a thinking in order to work successfully in a wraparound model. wraparound model.

Collaboration and flexibility among service Collaboration and flexibility among service providers are needed for this process to providers are needed for this process to work effectively. work effectively.

For CoSA, professionalism gives way to For CoSA, professionalism gives way to community-based processes.community-based processes.


Circles of Support and Circles of Support and AccountabilityAccountability

(CoSA)(CoSA)

FundamentallyFundamentally

Two “Circles” Comprise CoSATwo “Circles” Comprise CoSA


Two Circles of CoSATwo Circles of CoSAThe “Outer” CircleThe “Outer” Circle

ProfessionalProfessionalCircles of Support and Accountability Circles of Support and Accountability . .

The Outer CircleThe Outer Circle

Comprised of local, community-based Comprised of local, community-based professionalsprofessionals

Offer support, guidance and mentoringOffer support, guidance and mentoring

Act as a “Safety Net” for CoSAAct as a “Safety Net” for CoSA

Participate in Steering Committee, Participate in Steering Committee, Advisory Panels, Boards of Directors, etc.Advisory Panels, Boards of Directors, etc.

Offer a means of Accountability for local Offer a means of Accountability for local CoSA ProjectCoSA Project


Two Circles of CoSATwo Circles of CoSAThe “Inner” CircleThe “Inner” Circle

VolunteerVolunteerCore Core MemberMember


The Inner CircleThe Inner Circle

Comprised of local Comprised of local community-basedcommunity-based volunteersvolunteersOften drawn from local faith communityOften drawn from local faith communityIncludes the Includes the Core MemberCore Member (the former (the former offender)offender)Numbers ~ four to six volunteers (each Numbers ~ four to six volunteers (each day of the week)day of the week)Is guided by a “Is guided by a “CovenantCovenant” ” (more on this in a (more on this in a moment)moment)


Circles of Support and Circles of Support and Accountability in CanadaAccountability in Canada

Core MemberCore Member VolunteerVolunteer

Voluntary Voluntary and and

Community-BasedCommunity-Based

ProfessionalProfessionalCircles of Support and Accountability Circles of Support and Accountability . .

Circles of Support and Circles of Support and Accountability in CanadaAccountability in Canada

Core MemberCore Member VolunteerVolunteer

Voluntary Voluntary

and and

Community-BasedCommunity-Based

ProfessionalProfessional

Co-ordinatorCo-ordinator


Origins of CoSAOrigins of CoSA

Canadian Law changed in the 1990’s to allow for the detention of Canadian Law changed in the 1990’s to allow for the detention of certain offenders past their Statutory Release Date and held until certain offenders past their Statutory Release Date and held until the last day of their sentence if they are the last day of their sentence if they are

1. serving a sentence for an offence involving crimesof violence or crimes against persons, and

2. The commission of the offence caused the death of or serious harm to another person and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit another such

offence before the end of the sentence, or

3. The offence was a sexual offence involving a child and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit another sexual offence involving a child before the end of the sentence.



In 1994, “Charlie” presented just such a case. He had done it before and he was expected to do it again – to young boys. Child sex offenders against young boys – especially repeat offenders -- are among the most serious “types” of sex offenders we know of. “Charlie” was being released without any formal supervision.



Several people from the local community - Several people from the local community - some from a local church congregation - some from a local church congregation - had been visiting “Charlie” in prison. had been visiting “Charlie” in prison. Some of them had been thinking about his Some of them had been thinking about his release and the concepts of “wrap around release and the concepts of “wrap around care” used in mental health. care” used in mental health. With the help of a local pastor, they With the help of a local pastor, they formed a group of formed a group of experienced volunteers volunteers (“Charlie’s Angels”). (“Charlie’s Angels”).



With the release of yet another high risk With the release of yet another high risk offender (Wray Budreo), CSC and the offender (Wray Budreo), CSC and the Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario initiated a pilot project to test the CoSA initiated a pilot project to test the CoSA model. model. CSC Chaplaincy was instrumental in CSC Chaplaincy was instrumental in establishing this first pilot project.establishing this first pilot project.Chaplaincy began providing “seed” money Chaplaincy began providing “seed” money for other such projects across the country.for other such projects across the country.


The Evolution of the CoSA The Evolution of the CoSA Community in CanadaCommunity in Canada

A CoSA “community” began to grow in A CoSA “community” began to grow in Canada.Canada.Principles were articulated.Principles were articulated.Volunteer preparation materials were Volunteer preparation materials were produced. produced. The first effort to collect empirical data was The first effort to collect empirical data was initiated.initiated.The first in a series of “gatherings” of the The first in a series of “gatherings” of the fledgling CoSA community were held. fledgling CoSA community were held.


A CoSA “community” began to A CoSA “community” began to grow in Canada and abroadgrow in Canada and abroad

Nova ScotiaNova Scotia (1)(1)New BrunswickNew Brunswick (1)(1)QuebecQuebec (3)(3)OntarioOntario (4)(4)ManitobaManitoba (1)(1)SaskatchewanSaskatchewan (2)(2)AlbertaAlberta (2)(2)British ColumbiaBritish Columbia (1)(1)

N = 15N = 15Circles for Circles for ±± 150 Core Members 150 Core Members(average (average ±± 9 CMs each) 9 CMs each)

Each of these CoSA Each of these CoSA projects are located in projects are located in major cities of each major cities of each Province, however they Province, however they provide CoSA in a wide provide CoSA in a wide geographic area. Regina geographic area. Regina covers SW Sask. Fraser covers SW Sask. Fraser Valley and Vancouver Valley and Vancouver covers most of Southern covers most of Southern British Columbia. Toronto British Columbia. Toronto covers South Central covers South Central Ontario. Ontario.



In In 2001 The British Home Office inaugurated In In 2001 The British Home Office inaugurated a version of the Canadian model in Thames a version of the Canadian model in Thames Valley, beginning with 3 pilots. The Quaker Valley, beginning with 3 pilots. The Quaker Community, working with MAPPA (Multi-Agency Community, working with MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements), and the Public Protection Arrangements), and the Canadians have guided the project since Canadians have guided the project since inception. inception.

Projects now exist in Scotland, Ireland and Projects now exist in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Wales.



In the last few years (i.e. since approx. In the last few years (i.e. since approx. 2005), the Americans have also worked 2005), the Americans have also worked closely with the Canadians to build their closely with the Canadians to build their versions of CoSA.versions of CoSA.

Projects consulting with and receiving Projects consulting with and receiving direct training from the Canadians are direct training from the Canadians are located in Colorado, Minnesota, Vermont, located in Colorado, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington and California. Washington and California.


Principles were ArticulatedPrinciples were Articulated

We believe inWe believe in the inherent value and the inherent value and dignity of each and every human being dignity of each and every human being and that no human being is therefore and that no human being is therefore disposable. disposable.

We acknowledge the ongoing pain and We acknowledge the ongoing pain and need for healing among victims of violent need for healing among victims of violent crime including sexual abuse and sexual crime including sexual abuse and sexual assault -- No More Victimsassault -- No More Victims



We affirm that the community bears a We affirm that the community bears a responsibility for contributing to the safe responsibility for contributing to the safe restoration and healing of victims as well as the restoration and healing of victims as well as the safe re-entry of released men and women to the safe re-entry of released men and women to the community.community.We believe communities are capable of We believe communities are capable of disapproving crime and increasing safety for disapproving crime and increasing safety for their members when they are appropriately their members when they are appropriately engaged and their capacity to confront conflict is engaged and their capacity to confront conflict is increased through education, and through increased through education, and through information-sharing.information-sharing.



We seek to recreate community with former We seek to recreate community with former offenders in responsible, healthy, and life-giving offenders in responsible, healthy, and life-giving ways that include appropriate safety for ways that include appropriate safety for everyone. everyone. We accept the challenge of a radical hospitality, We accept the challenge of a radical hospitality, and of risks involved in sharing our lives with and of risks involved in sharing our lives with one another in community in the service of love one another in community in the service of love and justice.and justice.We agree that membership in a Circle of We agree that membership in a Circle of Support and Accountability – whether one is a Support and Accountability – whether one is a Core Member or Community Member – is Core Member or Community Member – is voluntary.voluntary.



Relationships between volunteer members of the Relationships between volunteer members of the community and former offenders (Core Members) are community and former offenders (Core Members) are based in a “Covenant” that is unique for each Core based in a “Covenant” that is unique for each Core Member and Circle according to the needs of the Core Member and Circle according to the needs of the Core Member and the local community. Member and the local community.

While a Circle of Support and Accountability project is While a Circle of Support and Accountability project is independent, it seeks to function in partnership with independent, it seeks to function in partnership with those other community organizations, whether public or those other community organizations, whether public or private, that are likewise devoted to public safety, law private, that are likewise devoted to public safety, law enforcement, the functioning of the judiciary, community enforcement, the functioning of the judiciary, community corrections and public health. corrections and public health.



We maintain that each local, community-We maintain that each local, community-based Circle of Support and Accountability based Circle of Support and Accountability is ultimately responsible to its local is ultimately responsible to its local community (i.e. the citizens who make up community (i.e. the citizens who make up their local city, town, village or municipal their local city, town, village or municipal district).district).



Each “Circle” in “CoSA” seeks to establish Each “Circle” in “CoSA” seeks to establish a relationship with a Core Member based a relationship with a Core Member based on trust, reciprocity and above all, on trust, reciprocity and above all, friendship.friendship.

Friendship recognizes fellowship in the Friendship recognizes fellowship in the human fold – my humanity is caught up in human fold – my humanity is caught up in your humanity – the concept of your humanity – the concept of UBUNTUUBUNTU


UBUNTUUBUNTU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=l-RUPwl5edA


UBUNTUUBUNTU

““When I dehumanize you, I inexorably When I dehumanize you, I inexorably dehumanize myself. The solitary human dehumanize myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms and being is a contradiction in terms and therefore you seek to work for the therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity common good because your humanity comes into its own in belonging.” comes into its own in belonging.”

- Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of - Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape TownCape Town



Compare the CoSA principles with those articulated by Andrews & Compare the CoSA principles with those articulated by Andrews & Bonta (2003):Bonta (2003):

The Principle of RiskThe Principle of Risk CoSA works with high risk sex offenders CoSA works with high risk sex offenders

using processes designed to enhance using processes designed to enhance safety through consultation and safety through consultation and collaboration, and sound governance; collaboration, and sound governance;

..



Compare the CoSA principles with those articulated by Andrews & Compare the CoSA principles with those articulated by Andrews & Bonta (2003):Bonta (2003):

The Principle of NeedThe Principle of Need CoSA works with sex offenders who CoSA works with sex offenders who

have some have some criminogeniccriminogenic needs that are needs that are the same as and some that are different the same as and some that are different than other types of offenders .than other types of offenders .


Criminogenic Needs?Criminogenic Needs?

• Significant .Social Significant .Social Influences (Positive, Neutral, Influences (Positive, Neutral, Negative)Negative)

• Relationship StabilityRelationship Stability• Emotional ID with Children Emotional ID with Children • Hostility toward womenHostility toward women• General Social RejectionGeneral Social Rejection• Lack of concern for othersLack of concern for others• ImpulsiveImpulsive• Poor Problem Solving SkillsPoor Problem Solving Skills• Negative EmotionalityNegative Emotionality• Co-operation with Co-operation with

SupervisionSupervision

• Sex DriveSex Drive• Sex PreoccupationSex Preoccupation• Sex as CopingSex as Coping• Deviant Sexual PreferenceDeviant Sexual Preference

These factors are left for These factors are left for professional sex offender professional sex offender therapists to address (we can therapists to address (we can refer).refer).



The Principle of ResponsivityThe Principle of Responsivity

CoSA meets the unique needs of each individual (CoSA meets the unique needs of each individual (No No one Is Disposableone Is Disposable).).

General ResponsivityGeneral Responsivity: whether or not volunteers are : whether or not volunteers are carefully selected for, and trained in, the appropriate carefully selected for, and trained in, the appropriate skills. These skills include: empathy, warmth, respect, skills. These skills include: empathy, warmth, respect, interest, and non-blaming communication.interest, and non-blaming communication.

Specific ResponsivitySpecific Responsivity: adjusting our approach to .: adjusting our approach to .meet the unique features of each client including each meet the unique features of each client including each client's learning style.client's learning style.


QUESTION: QUESTION: How do community volunteers not specifically How do community volunteers not specifically trained as therapists do this?trained as therapists do this?

ANSWER:ANSWER:Social Learning Theory: volunteers model Social Learning Theory: volunteers model acceptable behaviour and disapprove acceptable behaviour and disapprove unacceptable behaviour. unacceptable behaviour.


Protective FactorsProtective Factors

These are factors that “protect” against These are factors that “protect” against criminal behaviour criminal behaviour

and criminal reoffendingand criminal reoffending

Being involved in community is a powerful Being involved in community is a powerful protective factor (the Circle is a returning protective factor (the Circle is a returning person’s first encounter with community). person’s first encounter with community).



“ “ . . .it is generally accepted that social. . .it is generally accepted that social

relations and their quality . . . have a relations and their quality . . . have a stabilizing effect, especially after release.”stabilizing effect, especially after release.”

- - Estroff, Zimmer,Lachicotte, & Benoit, Estroff, Zimmer,Lachicotte, & Benoit, 1994.1994.

The influence of social networks The influence of social networks and social support on violenceand social support on violence - - see also Albrecht, 1979see also Albrecht, 1979



Close supporting relationships were found Close supporting relationships were found to decrease the risk of relapse in child to decrease the risk of relapse in child molesters and in rapists.molesters and in rapists.

- Grubin, D. (1997). Predictors of risk in serious sex - Grubin, D. (1997). Predictors of risk in serious sex offenders. offenders. British Journal of PsychiatryBritish Journal of Psychiatry, , 170170(Suppl.), (Suppl.), 17-21.17-21.

- see also Berner & Bolterauer,1995;- see also Berner & Bolterauer,1995;



Violent sexual reoffence is related to the Violent sexual reoffence is related to the extent and quality of positive prosocial extent and quality of positive prosocial support, particularly by male associates. support, particularly by male associates.

- - Violent Sex Offenders Lack Male Violent Sex Offenders Lack Male Social Support. Social Support.

Gutiérrez-Lobos , et al (2001). International Gutiérrez-Lobos , et al (2001). International Journal of Offender Therapy and Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 45(1), 70-82Comparative Criminology, 45(1), 70-82


The first empirical data was The first empirical data was collected and analyzedcollected and analyzed


National ReplicationNational Replication______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Circles (60)Circles (60) Control (60)Control (60)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

M(SD) ageM(SD) age 43.18 (9.55) 43.18 (9.55) 43.52 (8.66)43.52 (8.66) M(SD) STATIC-99M(SD) STATIC-99 5.00 (2.14)5.00 (2.14) 6.11 (1.52) 6.11 (1.52) M(SD) RRASORM(SD) RRASOR** 2.72 2.72 (1.50) (1.50) 2.74 (1.36)2.74 (1.36) M(rangeM(range––mos) follow-upmos) follow-up 32.53 (6-84)32.53 (6-84) 35.74 (6-95)35.74 (6-95) M(mos) until 1M(mos) until 1stst failure failure 23.9223.92 50.7350.73RecidivismRecidivism SexualSexual 2.13% (1)2.13% (1) 12.77% (6)12.77% (6)

Expected sexualExpected sexual 28.50% (17)28.50% (17)**** 26.45% (16)26.45% (16) ViolentViolent** 8.51% (4)8.51% (4) 31.91% (15)31.91% (15) General General ‡‡ 10.64% (5)10.64% (5) 38.30% (18)38.30% (18) DispositionsDispositions 1717 7575______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

** p p < .05 < .05 ** ** p < .01 p < .01 ‡‡ pp < .10 < .10


The first in a series of gatherings of The first in a series of gatherings of the community were heldthe community were held

Inaugural Meeting at Crieff Hills 1998Inaugural Meeting at Crieff Hills 1998

Paris, Ontario 1999Paris, Ontario 1999

Ancaster, Ontario 2002Ancaster, Ontario 2002

Calgary, Alberta, 2008Calgary, Alberta, 2008

Pierrefonds, Quebec, 2010Pierrefonds, Quebec, 2010

Victoria, BC (2010)Victoria, BC (2010)

Ottawa, Ont. November , 2011Ottawa, Ont. November , 2011


CoSA Roots in Faith CommunitiesCoSA Roots in Faith Communities

Original group comprised of faith Original group comprised of faith community volunteers from M2W2 (a long-community volunteers from M2W2 (a long-standing prison visitation program)standing prison visitation program)

No One is Disposable principle is a faith-No One is Disposable principle is a faith-based tradition based tradition

The notion of “radical hospitality” The notion of “radical hospitality”


Radical HospitalityRadical Hospitality

People of a Christian faith respond to the gospel People of a Christian faith respond to the gospel message by welcoming the stranger (even an enemy) message by welcoming the stranger (even an enemy) into their midst.into their midst.

Practicing radical hospitality means listening to others Practicing radical hospitality means listening to others without judgment and extending compassion that opens without judgment and extending compassion that opens up possibilities of seeing The Divine in other people. up possibilities of seeing The Divine in other people.

Extending ourselves for the sake of others invites us to Extending ourselves for the sake of others invites us to grow – to experience those who are different from us grow – to experience those who are different from us and perhaps learn to see new perspectives through the and perhaps learn to see new perspectives through the lens of another person. . . to see a larger world that lens of another person. . . to see a larger world that extends beyond our comfort zones. extends beyond our comfort zones.


Practically Speaking . . .Practically Speaking . . .

Building a CoSABuilding a CoSAA Local Community’s ExperienceA Local Community’s Experience


National Demonstration ProjectNational Demonstration Project

In discussions with NCPC, CCJC, MCC Canada and In discussions with NCPC, CCJC, MCC Canada and CSC.CSC.

Single CoSA project with multi-site designSingle CoSA project with multi-site design

Expected N = 100-150 Core Members annuallyExpected N = 100-150 Core Members annually

Empirical data to date: only on WED Sex OffendersEmpirical data to date: only on WED Sex Offenders

Demonstration Project to define exactly what works in Demonstration Project to define exactly what works in CoSA and why – what does not and why not.CoSA and why – what does not and why not.

CCJC is contrcting wiith The Saskatchewan Justice CCJC is contrcting wiith The Saskatchewan Justice Institute to do a Process and Impact Evaluation of CoSA.Institute to do a Process and Impact Evaluation of CoSA.


Commonalities between CoSA Commonalities between CoSA Sites in CanadaSites in Canada

Basic Documentation practices (for safety Basic Documentation practices (for safety and accountability);and accountability);

Safety and Risk Recognition;Safety and Risk Recognition;

Support, Accountability and Support, Accountability and Confidentiality;Confidentiality;

Volunteer Training;Volunteer Training;

Life Cycle of a Circle;Life Cycle of a Circle;


SummarySummary

CoSA in Canada and abroad is well-established CoSA in Canada and abroad is well-established and growing as a community.and growing as a community.As the network develops, new locations will As the network develops, new locations will likely come on-stream.likely come on-stream.As part of their “outer circle,” these new projects As part of their “outer circle,” these new projects will include linkages to the established will include linkages to the established community. Going it alone is not an option if the community. Going it alone is not an option if the goal is public safety, no more victims, and core goal is public safety, no more victims, and core members living safe, productive, peaceful lives members living safe, productive, peaceful lives in communityin community. Living in community is a skill that . Living in community is a skill that we model. we model.


National Communications National Communications ProtocolProtocol

To provide a formal and legally To provide a formal and legally established protocol for communicating established protocol for communicating between CSC and CoSA Sites regarding between CSC and CoSA Sites regarding potential core members, offence history potential core members, offence history and pertinent information regarding risk, and pertinent information regarding risk, needs and responsivity.needs and responsivity.


National CoSA Association National CoSA Association

National WebsiteNational Website

www.cosacanada.comwww.cosacanada.com


National Contact InformationNational Contact InformationRev. Rick Burk – Director General Chaplaincy and Rev. Rick Burk – Director General Chaplaincy and

Restorative Justice, Correctional Service Restorative Justice, Correctional Service Canada Canada [email protected]

Andrew McWhinnie –National Advisor to Associate Andrew McWhinnie –National Advisor to Associate Director General Chaplaincy and Restorative Director General Chaplaincy and Restorative Justice, Correctional Service Canada. Justice, Correctional Service Canada. 1-250-1-250-881-1151881-1151

250-889-2321250-889-2321

[email protected] of Support and Accountability Circles of Support and Accountability

. .

circles of support and accountability peterborough, ontario march 2012

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