Origins
In 1994, the Reverend Harry Nigh and a small number of volunteers from his congregation in Hamilton (Ontario, Canada), offered support to a lifelong recidivist who committed serious crimes against children, when he was released from prison into the community. The efforts by these volunteers created a better way of ensuring the protection of children as they supported ‘Charlie’ and assisted him to live an offence free life in the community until his death. This approach became known as Circles of Support and Accountability (Circles).

The origins of Circles are rooted in the principles of restorative justice, in particular a belief in the importance of healthy relationships and an individual’s accountability for what they do and its effect upon others. Circles is particularly relevant to the conceptual thinking that underpins treatment for those who commit sexual harm and is seen as the practical application of the Good Lives Model (Ward et al. 2007) and Desistance theory (McNeill 2006).

Sexual abuse provokes powerful responses for people and within communities. The successful rehabilitation and reintegration of people with sexually harmful behaviour is key to reducing reoffending as social isolation and emotional loneliness are key factors in increasing the risk of reoffending. For many men and women who have sexually offended, trying to re-settle into the community, particularly following a period of imprisonment, is a daunting prospect. Circles have proved to be an extremely effective way of reducing this risk through a small group of trained volunteers giving their time freely to provide a structured community intervention for sexual harm causers.

Who are Circles for?
Each Circles Provider has their own eligibility criteria but generally, the service is for men or women who have acknowledged that they have committed sexually harmful behaviour and are assessed as at risk of engaging in further offending behaviour.
They must have some understanding of their harmful behaviour and be committed to developing a positive, non-offending lifestyle.

How do Circles work?
A Circle is a group of four to six volunteers from a local community that forms a Circle around an offender, referred to as the ‘Core Member’. Each Circle is unique because it is designed around the needs of the Core Member.

It aims to provide a supportive network that also requires the Core Member to take responsibility (be ‘accountable’) for his/her ongoing risk / behaviour. The Circle can provide support and practical guidance in such things as developing social skills, finding suitable accommodation or finding appropriate hobbies, interests and work.

Volunteers are fully informed of the Core Member’s past pattern of offending, and also assist them to recognise patterns of thinking and behaviour that could lead to their re-offending. Through this, the Core Member can grow in self-esteem and develop more healthy adult relationships, maximising his or her chances of successfully and safely reintegrating into the community.

The Core Member is involved from the beginning, included in all decision making and, like all members of the Circle, signs a contract committing him or herself to the Circle and its aims.

Circles work in partnership with Police, Probation, local Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements and other professionals working in the field of child protection.

See here for more information about getting involved in a Circle and here for Circle Providers.

How often does a Circle meet?
The Circle meets regularly and, in the early stages, frequently (usually weekly). The volunteers might also have contact with the Core Member between meetings, normally by phone but occasionally face to face.

Its ‘life’ is initially for twelve months but may extend beyond this for as long as there is a perceived need to support the Core Member and manage risk. Active involvement in the Circle will diminish over time as the Core Member develops other appropriate and safe support networks.