Circles of Accountability (COSA) Nebraska

The mission of COSA Nebraska -- Circles of Support and Accountability exist to enhance public safety by assisting persons who have committed sex offenses successfully rejoin the community and avoid reoffending.

In early 2010 concerned community members and clergy met with professionals from local, state and federal probation, parole and corrections departments to discuss the need for services for released sex offenders.

After a great deal of research and consultation COSA Nebraska was formed using other successful COSA models.Members of COSA Nebraska leadership have extensive experience in working with sex offenders in correctional, treatment and community settings.

COSA Nebraska also offers community education regarding sex offender reintegration in order to dispel myths and end discrimination toward individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives and never again reoffend.

What is a Circle of Support and Accountability? "Circling" is symbolic of closeness, caring and coming together. In the COSA program, volunteers come together to offer practical skill building and relational support in order to assist a person convicted of a sex offense (core member) in maintaining safe behaviors after being released from prison or treatment. Circles meet frequently to address the core member's needs - housing, obtaining employment or education and socialization. At the same time the volunteers provide feedback and support regarding any attitude or behavior that could lead to reoffending.

Who are the Core Members? A core member is an individual who has been convicted of a sex offense who voluntarily participates in the COSA Nebraska program. After being referred to COSA Nebraska by probation, parole, or corrections personnel, individuals complete an extensive application, which is reviewed by the COSA Nebraska selection committee.

COSA Nebraska core members must be under correctional supervision for at least six months after release and be willing to commit to the program for at least one year. Only those individuals who express a sincere commitment to productivity and safely re-enter the community are selected for the COSA program.

Circle volunteers will continuously work with the core member's correctional supervisor in establishing safety guidelines for each individual.

Core member who become unwilling to participate effectively will be dropped from the program and may be referred to the appropriate correctional agency.

Why Do We Need COSA Circles? Not all released sex offenders need a circle of support and accountability. Some persons may be at very low risk to re-offend and have adequate family or other support.

However, many persons convicted of sex offenses leave prison or treatment to face homelessness, unemployment, and the lack of moral support for rebuilding a safe and successful life.

These challenges together with low self-esteem and on-going family and public rejection often lead to isolation, which is a contributing factor in re-offending.

A COSA circle accepts the core member as a person of worth and potential, providing support and accountability to him or her so they can build a safe and productive life.

Who Can Be A COSA Volunteer? Ordinary working people, retired persons, clergy members and lay people, men and women from all walks of life can become effective circle volunteers.

COSA Nebraska volunteers must be: at least 21 years old and be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually available to support our core members and the COSA Nebraska mission.

COSA Nebraska volunteers must attend three consecutive introductory training sessions. After completing the volunteer application process, an additional five 3-hour sessions are required to work directly with core members.

COSA Nebraska offers three consecutive informational training sessions for future volunteers, faith community representatives and other interested individuals. This training includes information on sex offenses and basics of working with individuals convicted of sex offenses.

COSA trainings are conducted by professionals who are employed in treatment or supervision of convicted sex offenders, are meant to provide education, skill training and motivation for this ground-breaking and important work.

If interested in becoming a COSA volunteers, please contact Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska at im50427@windstream.net with your name, address, telephone numbers and preferred email contact for upcoming training opportunities. You may also contact IMN at 215 Centennial Mall South, #300, Lincoln, NE 68508. You may also locate us on the web at: www.cosanebraska.org.

"Helping an individual become safe and productive is an opportunity to empower wellness and safety for our entire community."