Rj Kitson-Boyce

The Prison-Based Model of Circles of Support and Accountability and its Application in Transitioning to the Community

The barriers to successful reintegration that those convicted of sexual offences face, often lead to social isolation and prevent desistance from crime being achieved (Tewksbury & Mustaine, 2009). Of those who commit these offences, the elderly and intellectually disabled face even greater barriers, often finding the transition from prison to community the most difficult. In 2014, a prison-model of Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) was established to support these individuals specifically. A qualitative evaluation was commenced at the same time, involving interviews with the Core Members to explore their personal experience of the prison-based model. This chapter will explore some of the key themes derived from the data in relation to the support the prison-based model of CoSA provided the Core Members during their transition from prison to community.

Do Circles of Support and Accountability Work? A Review of the Literature

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) are growing in popularity on an international scale. To ensure that CoSA projects continue to grow in both success and public confidence, a solid research base is essential. The body of literature on the effectiveness of CoSA, particularly from Canada, US, UK and the Netherlands, is in fact growing. However, it has been argued that there is still not yet enough evidence to determine whether CoSA significantly reduces sexual recidivism by the Core Member (Elliott, Zajac, & Meyer, 2013). The following chapter includes an overview of this debate along with the key CoSA efficacy studies carried out to date. In addition, more qualitative explorations of the psychosocial implications of being involved are considered.

A prison-model of CoSA: the potential to offer “through the gate” support and accountability

ABSTRACT Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) are an intervention used to support and enable those who have been convicted of a sexual offence (core member), to reintegrate back into society, whilst still holding them accountable for their behaviour (Cesaroni, 2002). The purpose of this study was to introduce a new prison-model of CoSA and to explore the core members’ perceptions of their release from prison, and subsequent future in the community, prior to it starting. Interviews and repertory grids were carried out with those who had accepted a core member place on this initiative (n = 9). The findings derived from the data highlight the core members’ concerns regarding their pending release from prison, along with a potential turning point towards a more pro-social self. A prison-based model of CoSA may provide support and accountability during this transitional stage, thus helping to counter any isolation experienced and capitalise on any cognitive change.