About the Project
CoSA (Circles of Support and Accountability) supports high-risk sexual offenders (Core members (CM)), who have taken accountability for their convictions. We can support them upon their release from prison. The aim of the circle is to support the CM into their new community, gain new interests and depending on age, get back into work. The impact of having accountability and being part of a community reduces the risk of reoffending considerably. The service is delivered across Wales depending on where there is a need for a circle. We are Circles Cymru, part of Circles UK, and the tag line for the service is ‘No more victims’.
Who do we support?
We support high risk sexual offenders, by helping them to engage and become part of their communities in a safe way.
How do we do it?
We support CM’s through providing a support network that requires them to take responsibility for their ongoing risk and behaviour. A group of up to 6 volunteers from the community form a circle with the CM, meeting weekly to talk, provide support and practical guidance and hold them accountable.
The circle works with an outer circle from probation, MAPPA, police and other professionals who work with the CM too, taking responsibility for any risk and / or safeguarding.
Referral
Referrals are made by the CM’s probation officer to the Lead Probation Officer for Wales and then assessed for suitability by a panel of Adferiad, MAPPA, Probation and Police.
We work with those who are the highest risk and aged over 18 and over.
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