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Abstract: 

Circles of Support and Accountability is a program that was developed to address both public safety and program effectiveness concerns that arise when sexual offenders are released into the community. The authors describe the efforts of citizens to promote public safety by providing support and a mechanism for accountability for these offenders. In Canada, Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) have been operating for more than 12 years, guided by nonprofessional volunteers under the direction of the Mennonite Central Committee. The effectiveness of this form of programming, the authors note, is due to the attention given to a program design built on principles of “what works” research and practice.

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