The origins of the C.S.A. model
The C.S.A. model emerged from the response of the Mennonite community in Canada to a man with a sex offending background who, on release from prison, sought help and local church members responded accordingly.
The circles of support that were developed were conditional on the ex-offenders committing themselves to an offence free lifestyle.
Extern adapted the C.S.A. model and the circles formed were linked to the Floating Support Project via the key worker role.
The C.S.A. model is underpinned by the philosophy of restorative justice which focuses on trying to find ways of repairing the harm and damage done.
The circles bring to the fore an awareness of the issues and needs of victims, and also the concerns and fears of the community when addressing the needs of the ex-offender.
Each circle is composed of between 4 and 6 volunteers and the ex-offender, who in this model is called the core member. In addition, the floating support key worker participates in the circle.
The purpose is to engage with the core members in a holistic way, and in doing so help them lead constructive and positive lifestyles.
Circle volunteers can espouse a variety of roles: befriending; supporting; advising; challenging; advocating and mediating, as they seek to engage with the practical, social and emotional issues in the life of the core member. The circle endeavours to create a community around the core member as part of the process of re-integration and sustainability within the community.
Extern C.S.A. represents a systemic approach in that it was established by the agency and linked to other Extern projects and beyond to interagency agreements and the criminal justice system.
The C.S.A. initiative is a community oriented model which is evident in its more organic roots in Canada, whereby an existing community responded to the challenge.
In the course of the circles, work, contact has been made with the friends and families of core members which illustrates operating within a systemic organic continuum.
The circles have been important landmarks in the 'normalisation process' acting as a bridge for core members in the interactions with others within the community.
The Circles of Support and Accountability Model
Working Hours:
Flexible working hours