Circles of Support and Accountability Peterborough, Ontario March 2012

Circles of Support and Accountability Part 1: The Model Part 2: The Practicalities of “How To” Circles of Support and Accountability.

CoSA – The Model Based on “wrap around care” Late 1960s to 1970s: early precedents: Originally Canadian (John Brown) Brownsdale programs, Kaleidoscope, Chicago (Karl Dennis) 1985: Alaska Youth Initiative or AYI (John VanDenBerg) Circles of Support and Accountability.

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

Not a “Program” Professionals must adopt a new way of thinking in order to work successfully in a wraparound model. Collaboration and flexibility among service providers are needed for this process to work effectively. For CoSA, professionalism gives way to community-based processes. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) Fundamentally Two “Circles” Comprise CoSA Circles of Support and Accountability.

Two Circles of CoSA The “Outer” Circle Professional Professional Circles of Support and Accountability.

The Outer Circle Comprised of local, community-based professionals Offer support, guidance and mentoring Act as a “Safety Net” for CoSA Participate in Steering Committee, Advisory Panels, Boards of Directors, etc. Offer a means of Accountability for local CoSA Project Circles of Support and Accountability.

Two Circles of CoSA The “Inner” Circle Volunteer Core Member Core Member Circles of Support and Accountability.

The Inner Circle Comprised of local community-based volunteers Often drawn from local faith community Includes the Core Member (the former offender) Numbers ~ four to six volunteers (each day of the week) Is guided by a “Covenant” (more on this in a moment) Circles of Support and Accountability.

Circles of Support and Accountability in Canada Core Member Volunteer Core Member Volunteer Voluntary Voluntary and and Community-Based Community-Based Professional Professional Circles of Support and Accountability.

Circles of Support and Accountability in Canada Core Member Volunteer Core Member Volunteer Voluntary Voluntary and andCommunity-Based Professional Professional Co-ordinator Circles of Support and Accountability.

Origins of CoSA Canadian Law changed in the 1990’s to allow for the detention of certain offenders past their Statutory Release Date and held until the last day of their sentence if they are 1. serving a sentence for an offence involving crimes of 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. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Origins of CoSA 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. Circles of Support and Accountability.

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

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

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

A CoSA “community” began to grow in Canada and abroad Nova Scotia(1) New Brunswick(1) Quebec(3) Ontario(4) Manitoba(1) Saskatchewan(2) Alberta(2) British Columbia(1) N = 15 Circles for ± 150 Core Members (average ± 9 CMs each) Each of these CoSA projects are located in major cities of each Province, however they provide CoSA in a wide geographic area. Regina covers SW Sask. Fraser Valley and Vancouver covers most of Southern British Columbia. Toronto covers South Central Ontario. Circles of Support and Accountability.

A CoSA “community” began to grow in Canada and abroad In In 2001 The British Home Office inaugurated a version of the Canadian model in Thames Valley, beginning with 3 pilots. The Quaker Community, working with MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements), and the Canadians have guided the project since inception. Projects now exist in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Circles of Support and Accountability.

A CoSA “community” began to grow in Canada and abroad In the last few years (i.e. since approx. 2005), the Americans have also worked closely with the Canadians to build their versions of CoSA. In the last few years (i.e. since approx. 2005), the Americans have also worked closely with the Canadians to build their versions of CoSA. Projects consulting with and receiving direct training from the Canadians are located in Colorado, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington and California. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Principles were Articulated We believe in the inherent value and dignity of each and every human being and that no human being is therefore disposable. We acknowledge the ongoing pain and need for healing among victims of violent crime including sexual abuse and sexual assault -- No More Victims Circles of Support and Accountability.

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

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

Principles were Articulated Relationships between volunteer members of the community and former offenders (Core Members) are based in a “Covenant” that is unique for each Core Member and Circle according to the needs of the Core Member and the local community. While a Circle of Support and Accountability project is independent, it seeks to function in partnership with those other community organizations, whether public or private, that are likewise devoted to public safety, law enforcement, the functioning of the judiciary, community corrections and public health. Circles of Support and Accountability.

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

Principles were Articulated Each “Circle” in “CoSA” seeks to establish a relationship with a Core Member based on trust, reciprocity and above all, friendship. Friendship recognizes fellowship in the human fold – my humanity is caught up in your humanity – the concept of UBUNTU Circles of Support and Accountability.

UBUNTU er_detailpage&v=l-RUPwl5edA er_detailpage&v=l-RUPwl5edA Circles of Support and Accountability.

UBUNTU “When I dehumanize you, I inexorably dehumanize myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms and therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity comes into its own in belonging.” - Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town Circles of Support and Accountability.

Principles were Articulated Compare the CoSA principles with those articulated by Andrews & Bonta (2003): The Principle of Risk CoSA works with high risk sex offenders using processes designed to enhance safety through consultation and collaboration, and sound governance; CoSA works with high risk sex offenders using processes designed to enhance safety through consultation and collaboration, and sound governance;. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Principles were Articulated Compare the CoSA principles with those articulated by Andrews & Bonta (2003): The Principle of Need CoSA works with sex offenders who have some criminogenic needs that are the same as and some that are different than other types of offenders. CoSA works with sex offenders who have some criminogenic needs that are the same as and some that are different than other types of offenders. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Criminogenic Needs? Significant.Social Influences (Positive, Neutral, Negative)Significant.Social Influences (Positive, Neutral, Negative) Relationship StabilityRelationship Stability Emotional ID with ChildrenEmotional 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 SupervisionCo-operation with Supervision Sex DriveSex Drive Sex PreoccupationSex Preoccupation Sex as CopingSex as Coping Deviant Sexual PreferenceDeviant Sexual Preference These factors are left for professional sex offender therapists to address (we can refer). Circles of Support and Accountability.

Principles were Articulated The Principle of Responsivity CoSA meets the unique needs of each individual (No one Is Disposable). CoSA meets the unique needs of each individual (No one Is Disposable). General Responsivity: whether or not volunteers are carefully selected for, and trained in, the appropriate skills. These skills include: empathy, warmth, respect, interest, and non-blaming communication. General Responsivity: whether or not volunteers are carefully selected for, and trained in, the appropriate skills. These skills include: empathy, warmth, respect, interest, and non-blaming communication. Specific Responsivity: adjusting our approach to. Specific Responsivity: adjusting our approach to. meet the unique features of each client including each client's learning style. Circles of Support and Accountability.

QUESTION: How do community volunteers not specifically trained as therapists do this? ANSWER: Social Learning Theory: volunteers model acceptable behaviour and disapprove unacceptable behaviour. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Protective Factors These are factors that “protect” against criminal behaviour and criminal reoffending Being involved in community is a powerful protective factor (the Circle is a returning person’s first encounter with community). Circles of Support and Accountability.

Protective Factors “...it is generally accepted that social relations and their quality... have a stabilizing effect, especially after release.” - Estroff, Zimmer,Lachicotte, & Benoit, The influence of social networks and social support on violence - see also Albrecht, 1979 Circles of Support and Accountability.

Protective Factors Close supporting relationships were found to decrease the risk of relapse in child molesters and in rapists. - Grubin, D. (1997). Predictors of risk in serious sex offenders. British Journal of Psychiatry, 170(Suppl.), see also Berner & Bolterauer,1995; Circles of Support and Accountability.

Protective Factors Violent sexual reoffence is related to the extent and quality of positive prosocial support, particularly by male associates. - Violent Sex Offenders Lack Male Social Support. Gutiérrez-Lobos, et al (2001). International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 45(1), Circles of Support and Accountability.

The first empirical data was collected and analyzed Circles of Support and Accountability.

National Replication _______________________________________________________________________________________ Circles (60)Control (60) _______________________________________________________________________________________ M(SD) age43.18 (9.55) (8.66) M(SD) STATIC (2.14) 6.11 (1.52) M(SD) RRASOR* 2.72 (1.50) 2.74 (1.36) M(range–mos) follow-up32.53 (6-84)35.74 (6-95) M(mos) until 1 st failure Recidivism Sexual 2.13% (1)12.77% (6) Sexual 2.13% (1)12.77% (6) Expected sexual28.50% (17)** 26.45% (16) Violent*8.51% (4)31.91% (15) Violent*8.51% (4)31.91% (15) General ‡ 10.64% (5)38.30% (18) General ‡ 10.64% (5)38.30% (18) Dispositions1775 _______________________________________________________________________________________ * p <.05 ** p <.01 ‡ p <.10 Circles of Support and Accountability.

The first in a series of gatherings of the community were held Inaugural Meeting at Crieff Hills 1998 Paris, Ontario 1999 Ancaster, Ontario 2002 Calgary, Alberta, 2008 Pierrefonds, Quebec, 2010 Victoria, BC (2010) Ottawa, Ont. November, 2011 Circles of Support and Accountability.

CoSA Roots in Faith Communities Original group comprised of faith community volunteers from M2W2 (a long- standing prison visitation program) No One is Disposable principle is a faith- based tradition The notion of “radical hospitality” Circles of Support and Accountability.

Radical Hospitality People of a Christian faith respond to the gospel message by welcoming the stranger (even an enemy) into their midst. Practicing radical hospitality means listening to others without judgment and extending compassion that opens up possibilities of seeing The Divine in other people. Extending ourselves for the sake of others invites us to grow – to experience those who are different from us and perhaps learn to see new perspectives through the lens of another person... to see a larger world that extends beyond our comfort zones. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Practically Speaking... Building a CoSA A Local Community’s Experience Circles of Support and Accountability.

National Demonstration Project In discussions with NCPC, CCJC, MCC Canada and CSC. Single CoSA project with multi-site design Expected N = Core Members annually Empirical data to date: only on WED Sex Offenders Demonstration Project to define exactly what works in CoSA and why – what does not and why not. CCJC is contrcting wiith The Saskatchewan Justice Institute to do a Process and Impact Evaluation of CoSA. Circles of Support and Accountability.

Commonalities between CoSA Sites in Canada Basic Documentation practices (for safety and accountability); Safety and Risk Recognition; Support, Accountability and Confidentiality; Volunteer Training; Life Cycle of a Circle; Circles of Support and Accountability.

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

National Communications Protocol To provide a formal and legally established protocol for communicating between CSC and CoSA Sites regarding potential core members, offence history and pertinent information regarding risk, needs and responsivity. Circles of Support and Accountability.

National CoSA Association National Website Circles of Support and Accountability.

National Contact Information Rev. Rick Burk – Director General Chaplaincy and Restorative Justice, Correctional Service Canada Andrew McWhinnie –National Advisor to Associate Director General Chaplaincy and Restorative Justice, Correctional Service Canada Circles of Support and Accountability.