OARS - Community Transitions

Circle of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a group of trained Volunteers recruited from the local community who form a ‘Circle’ around a male convicted of sexual offences (Core Member).

The aim of the CoSA program is to provide a supportive network that also requires the Core Member to take responsibility (be ‘accountable’) for their ongoing self-management.

In addition, offer support and practical guidance in such things as developing social skills, finding suitable accommodation or helping the Core Member to identify appropriate employment opportunities and leisure activities. 

• To assist men who have been incarcerated for committing a sexual offence to reintegrate back into their local communities and be accountable for their ongoing self-management, with the aim of preventing reoffending.
• To commit to regularly attending the arranged COSA meetings.
• To be honest and open during participation within the COSA.
• To take reasonable caution with the core member whilst establishing trust, rapport and boundaries.
• Provide information and resources to Core Members to assist in appropriate referrals as needed or requested.
• Provide advocacy and support to the Core Member as derived from COSA meetings.
• Keep accurate records of all interactions with the Core Member as specified in the Volunteer Training Manual.
• Participate in activities for the purpose of program evaluation.

The Circle meets weekly in a venue selected by OARS as suitable for Core Members e.g. there is no access to children and/or vulnerable groups.  We are looking for people who are interested in supporting men to re-integrate back into the community and break the offending cycle, who are empathetic and non-judgemental and are wanting to utilise their life skills to provide support to others.

We require people who are able to commit to engaging on a weekly basis for an hour, to provide support to a Core Member within a ‘Circle’ of 3-5 other volunteers and individually (as negotiated) with the Core Member within strict professional boundaries. 

All potential Volunteers are required to provide a satisfactory National Police Check and attend an interview.

Volunteers are required to attend an initial training session as well as ongoing training as required. Adherence to a strict Volunteer Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement is also required. Volunteers will be given ongoing support by the CoSA Coordinator.

Days are negotiable.