Minnesota Circles of Support & Accountability MnCoSA

What is it? MnCoSA is a community born solution to answer the need of Level 2 sex offenders seeking support as they reintegrate into the community upon release from prison. A community reintegration project aimed to reduce the risk of recidivism through Best Practices with measures that won’t create adverse collateral consequences.

The Mission The DOC contributes to a safer Minnesota with effective offender management; Evidence based practices affect recidivism; the mission is to reduce the recidivism of Level 2 sex offenders; Carrying this out one step further into the community Transitioning from incarceration into community is significant and effects more people than the solely the offender.

WHERE WHERE did this idea come from? In 1994, a Mennonite minister & prison psychologist teamed up to support a high profile mentally disabled pedophile being released into their community in Hamilton, Canada. This offender had previously been denied parole & statutory release.

MnCOSA MnCOSA …Emerging Exclusively works with High Risk Sex Offenders Success with employment, housing and positive support role modeling In Minnesota, we have adapted the Canadian Model under developer Andrew McWhinnie.

Current Status of MnCoSA 70 +/- Volunteers 11 Circles; 8 operational Circle 12 currently in training Three Advisory Committees Program Evaluations designed in the Model Project Director oversees fluid Curriculum Design & Training Content Attracting recent grads/professionals AmicusCommunity Partner - Amicus

Who Qualifies? Any LEVEL 2 Sex offender who: –Comes out of out one of the piloted Counties of this project (Hennepin, Ramsey or Olmsted). Also is returning to the same County of Commit –Is a Level 2 with no known “factors” to change (ECRC, Civil Commit) –Is Level 2 –Can be male or female –Position and/or placement in treatment is NOT a factor

It’s ALL in the DETAILS Intense, highly emotional work Volunteers are people of great character & caliber They are WILLING! MnCoSA reaches to policies, prisons, trainings, restorative justice, victim services, sex offender treatment, many areas in a POSITIVE regard.

Additional Facts MnCoSA is in three pilot counties; Hennepin, Ramsey and Olmsted. Each Circle consists of 4-7 members, and each Circle lasts approximately 1 year. Time Commitment for Volunteers: –30 hours of Training; 15 hours facility visits –104 hours of Community Circle Visits

Contact Information Joann Dillavou