Circles of Support and Accountability work with sex offenders in an attempt to help them avoid further offending. The idea originated in Canada and was run by the Mennonite Community. In Britain, it has been championed by the Quaker Crime and Community Justice Group and is now being taken up by others, including local Community Chaplaincy projects.

What?

Whilst in custody, offenders who are identified as at high risk of re-offending, with low levels of support and high levels of need, are matched with a Circle. This individual then becomes the Circle's 'core member'. The initial meeting of the Circle draws up a contract of commitment to openness within the Circle and confidentiality beyond. All decision making is by consensus. The core member promises that there will be 'no more victims' by his (or her) hand, and that he or she will follow the laid down release plan.

Circles retain close and supportive contact with both probation and police and have to be aware of their responsibility to inform the appropriate authority, if the need arises. Full Circles meet weekly with the core member. Most days however, the core member will have contact with individual members of the Circle. These contacts can range from a brief phone call through to a shopping trip or lunch. Levels of contact decrease over time; however, should a core member's behaviour cause concern, there may be a period of intensified support and challenge.

"My gut feeling is that working in this circle has substantially reduced the likelihood of our core member re-offending. I may be wrong, but I just can't see him doing it again. To me, as a survivor, that is the greatest reward I can imagine - that other little girls are spared."
A volunteer member of a Circle

Who?

Circles usually consist of four to six volunteers; these are frequently drawn from a range of faith communities - but this is not a requirement. The Circle members agree to befriend a released sex offender and offer support and advice, and to challenge signs of inappropriate behaviour. Whilst no specialist or expert knowledge is required, volunteers do need to be both responsible and practical people. Following a screening process, suitable volunteers are trained and given support in their new role.

How?

If you live in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire, or in the Manchester area, you may be able to be involved now. The Circles approach is spreading, and there may soon be opportunities in other areas. If you feel you might like to get involved, contact Quaker Peace and Social Witness (See Addresses).