CoSA provides a context of support and accountability where people who have committed sexual offences, or core members, get help by paid staff and trained volunteers to meet their practical needs, develop deeper self-understanding, and make better choices to create a meaningful life and avoid relapse.
Although volunteers and core members are required to be involved in the program for at least one year, core members typically continue for approximately three to four years. CoSA is based on trusting relationships between the core member and their volunteers and CoSA staff. Role modeling is a major focus of what occurs in a Circle, and, in that sense, what is “caught” is more significant than what is “taught.” It has been observed that the most powerful aspect of a Circle is the sense of belonging that occurs both for the core member and for the volunteers.
