In an increasingly polarised society, the work of Michaela De Curtis at Ottawa’s Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is both crucial and contentious. As program director, De Curtis focuses on rehabilitating individuals convicted of sexual offences, some of whom have spent decades behind bars. With funding dwindling and several branches across Canada shutting down, the future of the programme hangs in the balance.
The CoSA Mission
CoSA operates on the principles of restorative justice, aiming to reintegrate sexual offenders into the community to prevent recidivism. This initiative relies heavily on volunteers who assist clients with essential services, such as obtaining identification, finding employment, and securing housing. De Curtis articulates the programme’s philosophy succinctly: “We can help people while they’re reintegrating into the community safely, or they can reoffend and go back into the system. Then we’ve created more harm versus stopping the cycle of violence.”
A 2018 study from Minnesota highlighted the effectiveness of CoSA, reporting an impressive 88% reduction in the risk of reoffending among participants. However, there is a growing concern that without adequate funding, Canada’s remaining nine CoSA locations may soon face closure.
Funding Challenges
Since 2017, CoSA has received approximately $7.4 million in non-renewable support from Public Safety Canada’s Crime Prevention Action Fund. This funding has since dwindled to less than $100,000 annually, prompting executive director Cliff Yumansky to express his concerns about sustainability. “It costs about $125,000 to $150,000 to operate one CoSA site,” he explains, “but we are struggling to secure ongoing funding.”
The situation has worsened in recent months, with at least six CoSA locations, including those in Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal, closing their doors. Yumansky fears that the remaining sites may follow suit unless financial support is revitalised. He notes, “We still need their funding; there’s no question.”
Public Safety Canada has acknowledged the importance of CoSA’s work, stating that the organisation is often the only lifeline available for those seeking community reintegration support. To date, CoSA has received a total of $15.2 million from the agency over the years. However, even with this backing, additional funding from provincial governments has been limited. Notably, CoSA has managed to secure support only in New Brunswick, where a new site is set to launch in Moncton.
Community Impact and Support
The Ottawa branch of CoSA currently operates with the assistance of around 50 volunteers who are dedicated to supporting approximately 20 clients. De Curtis has been proactive in seeking alternative funding sources, relying on local fundraising events and partnerships with community organisations. Nonetheless, the branch can only sustain its operations for one more year under current financial constraints, limiting its capacity to serve those in need. “Some people are not able to enter the programme because we have less capacity to provide the service,” she admits.
The stigma surrounding both incarceration and sexual offences complicates the reintegration process for clients. University of Toronto sociology professor Chris Smith notes that individuals exiting the criminal justice system often face alienation and loneliness. “An organisation like CoSA would be a very important support in a larger network providing direct services for this group,” he asserts.
Moreover, the difficulties faced by formerly incarcerated individuals extend beyond stigma. They frequently find themselves estranged from family and friends, struggle to secure employment, and experience significant barriers to social reintegration. Allyn Walker, a criminal justice professor at Saint Mary’s University, emphasises the role of CoSA in fostering accountability and stability. “Having a support network can be a real motivator to keep people from engaging in violent behaviours,” Walker explains. Without such a network, the risks to both individuals and society increase substantially.
The Future of CoSA in Ottawa
As the funding crisis deepens, De Curtis remains committed to her mission. “We’re worried about keeping the doors open, but we’re also worried about supporting the clients,” she says. The stakes are high; failure to provide adequate support could lead to an increase in reoffending, undermining the programme’s very purpose.
Despite the challenges ahead, the dedication of De Curtis and her team exemplifies the importance of community-based initiatives in addressing complex social issues. Their ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals reflect a broader commitment to public safety and restorative justice.
Why it Matters
The challenges faced by CoSA in Ottawa highlight a crucial intersection of criminal justice and social welfare. The programme represents not merely a safety net for former offenders but a vital mechanism for reducing societal harm. As funding dwindles and sites across Canada close, the implications extend beyond the individuals served; they resonate throughout communities striving for safety, healing, and reconciliation. Supporting organisations like CoSA is not just a matter of funding; it is an investment in the fabric of society itself, aiming to break the cycle of violence and foster genuine rehabilitation.
