Information - Volunteers

 

COMMUNITY JUSTICE INTERVENTIONS WALES

CIRCLES OF SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

An initiative designed to enhance the safer integration of sex offenders into the community

The aim of Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) is to substantially reduce the risk of future sexual abuse by assisting and supporting offenders who have demonstrated a commitment to stop offending.  Volunteers will assist offenders in the task of integrating with the community, giving them the opportunity to lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.

Aims and Objectives:

We live in a society where sexual abuse provokes powerful responses within communities.  The successful reintegration and rehabilitation of a sex offender into the community requires consideration of the needs of the offender, victim and community. Circles of Support and Accountability has at its heart the desire to prevent sexual abuse, and consequently to reduce the number of victims.  The identification and deployment of trained volunteers to monitor and support sex offenders in the community has proved an extremely effective form of support.

A Circle of Support and Accountability aims to:

• Help an offender to reintegrate and behave responsibly in the community
• Enhances public safety
• Acts as a support and safety mechanism for both offender and community

What does a Circle look like?:

• A Circle is a group of trained volunteers recruited from the community
• A Circle is set up at the request of the offender who wants to stop offending
• A Circle works alongside professionals, including police and probation services
• Volunteers are supported and supervised by appropriate professionals throughout the period of contact with offenders

For further information please contact Juliet Ennis

Circles of Support & Accountability Project Development Manager (North Wales)

Plas Y Wern Approved Premises, Llangollen Road, Ruabon, Wrexham, LL14 6RN

Tel:  01978 814949/Mobile: 07814 434568

Email: Juliet.Ennis@north-wales.probation.gsi.gov.uk