Minnesota Circles of Support and Accountability (MnCoSA)

WHAT IS MnCoSA?

• The Minnesota Department of Corrections is engaged in a restorative justice project to substantially reduce the risk of future sexual victimization by supporting people convicted of sexual offenses as they reenter the community and lead responsible, productive, and accountable lives.

• Minnesota Circles of Support and Accountability (MnCoSA) is based on a successful, nationally-recognized model called Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) that was originally developed in Canada in 1994.

• A Circle is made up of Circle Members (volunteers), a Core Member (released individual convicted of a sexual offense), and an Outer Circle (professionals). Circle Members work in teams of 4-7 with a Core Member and are supported by an Outer Circle.

• Circles meet regularly to provide support to the Core Member as he/she begins to lead a responsible, productive, and accountable life while working on reintegration to the community - finding housing, employment, transportation, medical assistance, mental/chemical health appointments, acceptance, etc.

MnCoSA Brochure   pdf format

Frequently Asked Questions   pdf format

VOLUNTEER FOR MnCoSA

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and meet application criteria provided below.

• Each MnCoSA Circle lasts approximately one year, with weekly 1-2 hour meetings attended by all MnCoSA members, including the offender (Core Member).

• Volunteer involvement in the Circle of Support is typically greater immediately following the Core Member's release from prison.

• Volunteers receive extensive training and continuous support through their work.

"MnCoSA has been a wonderful experience, deepening my own humanity as a group of strangers come together as friends to support a new friend in a dificult situation. I would recommend it to anyone who has some time to commit to considering the world as it is, and as it can be." - MnCoSA volunteer

 

MnCoSA Volunteer Description   pdf format

Volunteer Services Program Policy

Complete a Volunteer Application and Offender Association Form   pdf format

Sarah King

MnCoSA Volunteer Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Corrections
651/361-7602 Telephone
651/603-0020 Fax

sarah.king@state.mn.us