Looking inside a circle: volunteer experiences of circles of support andaccountability

摘要

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a promising reintegration frameworkwhereby community volunteers support individuals convicted for sexual offenses toreintegrate safely into the community. CoSA has grown in popularity, yet little is knownabout volunteers’ experiences of CoSA, including how they cope with their core memberbeing recalled or reoffending. The aim of the current study is to explore the experiencesof CoSA volunteers in New Zealand. In-depth interviews were used to explore experiences.The findings relating to general experiences explored balancing risk management and socialsupport, questioning the place of religion in CoSA, confronting stereotypes, andvolunteering in a risk-averse society. The findings also revealed both the commitment toCoSA, and the stress and guilt felt by the volunteers following a recall or re-offense.Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for current and ongoing volunteers,as well as for community approaches to criminal justice.