Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA)
Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a community-based response for individuals who have been incarcerated for committing a sexual offence(s), are being released into the community, and wish to carry out fulfilling lives where they exercise autonomy over themselves and their choices.
CoSA at One City Peterborough
Individuals involved in CoSA are referred to as ‘core members.’
Each core member is supported by a circle of volunteers who work with them to achieve goals and avoid reoffending through a restorative and transformative justice lens. COSA offers support and accountability to those who have caused harm while calling attention to the important perspectives of victims and impacts of harm, and to the systemic cycle of abuse and trauma in which those who offend are often caught.
We aim to assist released individuals in transforming ideals with a supportive community and leading a responsible, autonomous, and accountable life.
One City Peterborough is able to offer core members wrap-around supports such as employment, housing, and community development programming such as art, music, and education. This is an important piece in how CoSA models community for core members; we are able to not only discuss in the circles what healthy relating and connection looks like, but to also offer opportunities for core members to join in and build relationships for themselves outside of the circle.
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Learn More about CoSA Programs Across Canada