APPENDIX A: SAMPLE COVENANTS

2003

Sample Covenant 1

General Commitments

Confidentiality

As a volunteer member of this Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA), I agree to respect the confidentiality of the COSA. I will hold any information that is shared inside the COSA as private and privileged information that will stay within the group unless the whole COSA agrees that it should be released.

Communication

I understand that it is essential to maintain a high level of trust within the COSA. We cannot help each other unless communication is open and honest. I agree to make the building of confidence a priority, committing myself to maintaining open communication with every member of the COSA. The COSA agrees to maintain regular contact with me and I will maintain regular contact with COSA members. The telephone numbers of the COSA members will be distributed, and used in case of emergency.

Safety of the Community

I recognize that the reason for hostility in the community is because it is fearful of offenders who have committed sexual offences. As part of the COSA, I commit myself to the safety of the community as a first priority. If, at any time there is a concern about that safety, it must be urgently discussed within the COSA. I accept this as my responsibility.

_________________________________________ agrees to continue counselling as deemed appropriate by _______________________ and the COSA. _______________________ must be careful of feelings that he is the victim, which may turn to perpetration.

I agree that the COSA will look at the pattern of previous offences and seek to prevent a reoccurrence of the circumstances that led to them. The COSA agrees to have a refresher on _______________________ relapse prevention plan.

Responsibilities of the COSA

As the core member, I agree to respect this agreement with each of the other COSA Members, and I will not change it without discussion with the whole COSA. I will obey any conditions that are agreed upon within the COSA and maintain regular contact at the stipulated intervals. I will be available for increased involvement in times of crisis.

Among other responsibilities, the COSA will assist _______________________ when he has feelings of abandonment and isolation. The security of belonging is important. The COSA will act as advocates for _______________________, affirming positive things he is doing, but also calling him on issues of exploitation and hostile attitudes. He will be supported in creating and maintaining healthy, adult relationships.

We recognize that _______________________ will need assistance as he adjusts to life in the community. We intend to support _______________________ in preparing and possibly retraining for the work force. We would like to support _______________________ in creating healthy ways to spend recreational time and develop hobbies.

_________________________________________ participation and help with _______________________ is an important part of his life which this group will be part of, i.e. attend special occasions.

_________________________________________ will continue to nurture his spiritual self. The_________________________________________ Church is crucial to this.

Self Care is important when people are giving of themselves, such as in AA and we will help _______________________ support himself. We recognize anger to be an issue, and that silence can be an indicator of anger. We will work together to address issues as they arise.

We commit ourselves to celebrate with _______________________ during special times in his life, such as his Birthday and important occasions in the _______________________ (religious) community.

Date: _______________________

Signed by -- COSA Members

_________________________ ________________________

_____________________________________ core member

Sample Covenant 2

This is a covenant between _______________________ and the people in the community who have formed a COSA of Support around him to assist his successful return to the community. _______________________ agrees to being committed to making a successful return to the community and is dedicated to the promise that he will make no more victims.

General Commitments

Confidentiality

As the core member or as a Member of the COSA of Accountability and Support, I agree to respect the confidentiality of the COSA. I will hold any information which is shared inside the COSA as private and privileged information which will stay within the group unless the whole COSA agrees that it should be released.

I understand that it is essential to maintain a high level of trust within the COSA. We cannot heal each other unless communication is open and honest. We recognize and appreciate _______________________ openness with the COSA and will reciprocate by being available for emergencies, to talk, and just for company. I agree to make the building of confidence a priority, committing myself to maintaining open communication with every other member of the COSA.

Safety of the Community

We recognize that the reason for hostility in the community is because it is fearful of offenders who have committed sexual offences. As part of the COSA, I commit myself to the safety of the community as a first priority. If, at any time, there is concern about that safety, it must be urgently discussed within the COSA. I accept this as my responsibility.

I agree that the COSA will be aware of _______________________ pattern of previous offences and seek to prevent a re-occurrence of the circumstances which led to them. Any occasion of re-offence or showing high risk of re-offence will occasion an emergency meeting of the COSA.

Conformity to Legal Requirements

I, _______________________ will comply with the legal conditions imposed on me by ( e.g. S. 161 CCC, or S. 810 CCC or other Court-imposed Orders) until it is appealed or changed.

Responsibilities of the COSA

As COSA Members, we recognize that we have a particular role to play in support of the core member. We will fulfil the requirements of our tasks to the best of our ability.

As the core member _______________________ , agree to respect this agreement with each of the other COSA Members and will not change it without discussion with the whole COSA. I will obey any conditions that are agreed within the COSA and maintain regular contact at the stipulated intervals.

As members of the COSA, we will be available to meet with _______________________ as needed and will support his positive attempt to live according to the acceptable behaviour agreed to. We agree to assist _______________________ with any issues which may arise regarding his residence, managing leisure time, seeking employment or retraining, making contacts for medical or psychological aid, negotiating with police and media, and any other needs as they arise.

_________________________________________ agrees to inform the COSA of any lapses or relapses to discuss the situation together before taking any measures.

_________________________________________ has determined not to engage in sexual activity with anyone under the age of 14. The COSA will hold him accountable to this determination. The COSA will challenge any lapse in this resolve and search for ways to correct such behaviour and associated attitudes. A relapse consists of any sexual contact with a minor under the age of 14. All relapses must be reported to the police.

The COSA will encourage participation in counselling and other treatment deemed appropriate by professionals and the COSA members in discussion with _______________________.

"I agree to observe the terms of this contract and to commit myself to each member of the COSA to assist the successful completion of our purpose."

Date: _______________________

Signed by -- COSA Members

_________________________ ________________________

_____________________________________ core member

Sample Covenant 3

Revised after alcoholic relapse.

_____________________________________ agrees to:

Comply with recognisance.
Extend stay at Detoxication Centre to a total of at least four days.
Find some extended counselling program or one-on-one counselling (eg. at ARF, etc.).
Arrange for supervised 'antabuse' administration at a pharmacy at least three times weekly (every other day) until the group decides otherwise.
Arrange more frequent visits with Dr. ______________________ or his designate at ARF.
Attend AA or church every day for the next three months (in the spirit of 90 meetings in 90 days).
Explore the option of participating in a sex offender group at the Clarke Institute, or other appropriate group.
Inform friends and neighbours at your apartment building that you are on Antabuse so you cannot drink.
Will get involved in activities such as the Dry & Sober Club and volunteer opportunities so as not to get 'housebound'.

(Signed by core member)

The other members of the group agree to:

Take core member to visit his mother's grave site and his aunt on,_____________________________________ 2001. To be co-ordinated by _____________________________________ (a COSA member).

Notify the police if there is another occurrence of drinking - to be initiated in consultation with _____________________________________ (a COSA member) as the bail bond-holder.

Continue to support, meet with, and assist _____________________________________ (the core member) as able, as long as not morally, legally or ethically constraining.

Signed by COSA members

Sample Covenant 4

Core Member

As the core member I_____________________________________, commit myself to both acknowledge and claim the support of the COSA of Support" by:

communicating with one or more of the members several times each week.
doing everything I know how to do to contribute to an atmosphere of mutual trust.
sharing as openly and honestly of myself as I am able.
being part of the weekly meeting of the "COSA of Support", and
by following up on actions for which I have agreed to be responsible as recorded in the minutes of each weekly meeting.

Date: _____________________________________

Signature core member: _____________________________________

COSA Members

As members of the "COSA of Support", we commit ourselves to support the core member by

being available to him at whatever times he determines he needs to contact us.
doing everything we know how to do to contribute to an atmosphere of mutual trust.
sharing as openly and honestly of ourselves as we are able.
providing every possible support to assist him in achieving his goal of full reintegration into the community.
being part of the weekly meeting of the "COSA of Support", maintaining complete confidentiality.
and bv following up on actions for which we have agreed to be responsible as recorded in the minutes of each weekly meeting.

Date: _____________________________________

Signed by: COSA Members

_________________________