Documents and Reports

What is a Circle of Support & Accountability?

Circles of Support and Accountability involves a group of 4 – 7 trained volunteers who commit themselves to support and hold accountable a person who has been detained to the end of sentence because of a sexual offence history (called core member) who is returning to the community. The Core members' participation is voluntary.

The Circle meets together regularly and is guided by a written and signed agreement called a covenant. Individual volunteers also meet with the core member on a daily basis and provide assistance with re-entry challenges. The Core member commits to openly relating to the group regarding identified needs.

Circles of Support and Accountability volunteers are professionally supported and work in conjunction with community agencies, treatment providers like psychologists, sometimes parole or probation officers, the police, and the courts.

Purpose

Circles of Support and Accountability aim to have safer communities and fewer victims by assisting and holding accountable individuals who have committed sexual offences and are re-entering society so that they would lead responsible and productive lives.

Key Roles

Circles of Support and Accountability enhance public safety through providing a healthy envi ron ment for the Core member, by:

• journeying through difficulties and emergencies;
• confronting inappropriate attitudes or behaviours;
• advocating with treatment providers, community groups, police services and other professionals in the community;
• mediating community concerns;
• celebrating the Core member's' successes and anniversaries.

Join the Circle

Circles of Support and Accountability are looking for volunteers who are interested in serving their community and could commit to journeying with individuals as they re-enter the community from prison. Circle members receive extensive training, are continually supported, and make a one year commitment.

More Information is available contacting the CSC Chaplaincy office at 613-996-9580