News Releases

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, April 26, 2004 - The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) announced today that it has renewed the funding for the Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) reintegration program in the Toronto area.

The Toronto Chapter of CoSA will receive $200,000 annually for three years. CoSA consists of volunteers from various backgrounds who provide intensive daily contact and support for high needs offenders who have served their full sentence in a federal institution.

"I commend all those who volunteer their time to this unique program," said the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. "They provide a valuable network of support for the offender while holding him accountable for his actions."

"Through the valuable assistance of Circles of Support and Accountability, high needs offenders are safely reintegrating back into the community," said CSC Commissioner Lucie McClung. "CoSA's work with our partners and community leaders directly contributes to the maintenance of a just and safe society."

"I believe that we have a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to community safety. The assurance of CSC both in regards to a three-year contract and increased funding is of great encouragement and will enable us to focus more fully on the work that we need to be doing," said Eileen Henderson, Project Manager of Circles of Support and Accountability, Mennonite Central Committee Ontario.

On April 24, Circles of Support and Accountability celebrated 10 years in operation. There are approximately 70 Circles of Support in operation across the country. This innovative reintegration program has its roots in the Mennonite Church in Ontario and is now in every province in the country, several U.S. districts and every country in the United Kingdom. For additional information contact:

Farah Mohamed, Director of Communications Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (613) 990-9728

Michèle Pilon-Santilli, Director, Media Relations Correctional Service of Canada (613) 943-2573

Diane Russon Acting Communications Manager, Ontario Region Correctional Service of Canada (613) 545-8210

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Backgrounder: Circles of Support and Accountability

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) began in 1994 and have their origin with the Mennonite Church. Prior to 1994, offenders were given no support after they were released. Ministers in the Mennonite Church created CoSA to help these offenders reintegrate into the community and remain crime free.

CoSA consists of groups of four to seven volunteers who are committed to enhancing public safety in their community by providing intensive, caring, practical daily support for ex-offenders. Volunteers include doctors, ministers, businesspeople, police officers, parole officers and homemakers. Each group forms a Circle to provide ex-offenders with one-on-one support on a daily basis. In turn the ex-offender commits to following a treatment plan.

CoSA believes the community has a responsibility for the safe restoration and healing of victims along with the safe reintegration of released offenders.