Corrections axes sex-offender program
OTTAWA — Correctional Service Canada is cutting off its funding for a program that has reduced reoffending by high-risk sex offenders by more than 80 per cent following their release from prison.
Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) has proven its value over the past 20 years, said Ron Melchers, a University of Ottawa criminologist.
“It’s been one of the most successful programs dealing with any released group of offenders,” Melchers said Wednesday. “It’s been almost a lighthouse in terms of success.”
One study in 2007 found that sex offenders involved in CoSA had an 83 per cent reduction in sexual reoffending compared to offenders who weren’t in the program.
About 700 volunteers in 17 CoSA projects across Canada are involved in circles with nearly 200 released sex offenders.
Because they rely heavily on volunteers, CoSAs require only modest financial support. This year Correctional Service Canada, which has helped fund CoSA programs since 1994, is spending just $650,000 on them. But the department advised CoSA projects on Feb. 21 that its funding will end as of March 31.
As well, Public Safety Canada’s National Crime Prevention Centre has provided $7.5 million over five years to expand CoSA projects as part of a major evaluation of their effectiveness. But the results of the evaluation aren’t expected until December and the funding lapses at the end of September.
Correctional Service Canada did not provide an explanation for its decision Wednesday. But its Feb. 21 email said it “recently became clear that the present mandate of (Correctional Service Canada) will not support resourcing for CoSA in the present format.”
Whatever happens, the Ottawa CoSA and others across the country are determined to continue their work, Cormier said.