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Program Overview

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) offers a caring community around people with offending histories, who are at high risk of harming themselves and others. Volunteers and staff offer a supportive space to those integrating into the community after incarceration, those serving Probation or Parole, or those who simply feel they need additional support to live safely.

CoSA’s approach is based heavily on the philosophy of restorative justice. We utilize a holistic approach, focusing on mending relationships affected by the offence, holding offenders accountable for harms they caused, and building stronger and safer communities. While much of society considers high-risk individuals as hopeless, CoSA’s approach has been shown to reduce recidivism rates by 72- 83%. The mantra of the program is no more victims.

At the centre of every circle is its Core Member, the individual with an offence history. Core Members voluntarily seek a Circle of Support and are included from the beginning in all decision-making regarding their safe and healthy integration into the community. Each circle consists of one Core Member, one CoSA Staff Person, and 3-5 trained Support Volunteers.

Participation in a circle requires a commitment of one year of weekly two hour meetings.

What does support look like?

  • Connecting the Core Member to practical needs (i.e. access to medical services, social assistance, seeking employment and affordable housing, etc.)
  • Providing a consistent network of emotional support
  • Creating a safe and supportive community

What does accountability look like?

  • Ensuring all actions and conversations prioritize community and personal safety
  • Working to establish safe and healthy boundaries
  • Encouraging honesty and transparency
  • Addressing factors and triggers within offence cycles

CoSA also advocates with police, parole, probation, treatment professionals, social assistance networks, and neighborhood groups to best support the Core Member and the community at large.

Our community holds many qualified professionals who provide the training necessary for the success of our support circles, including Forensic Psychological Services and Klinic Community Health Centre.

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Volunteering

Volunteering is an opportunity for the community to play a direct role in the restoration, reintegration, and risk management of people who are often seen with only fear and anger. See below for a list of required trainings available to volunteers and supporters. We also offer numerous supplemental trainings, and are always seeking new learning opportunities to offer our volunteers, supporters, and staff.

Required Trainings:

  • Introduction to CoSA
  • Integration Concerns
  • Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Apply through Volunteer Manitoba.

For more information about Circles of Support and Accountability, including program eligibility, contact CoSAWpg@initiativesjc.org.

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