Reintegrating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with convictions for sexual offending: Stakeholder views of service needs and Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA)

Abstract

This article examines whether the Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) model is suitable for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with convictions for sexual offending. Drawing on consultations with 35 stakeholders from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations, the study explores views on suitable post-custodial measures, including CoSA. While participants supported some CoSA principles, there was limited support for implementing CoSA in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. Stakeholders preferred Aboriginal-led approaches with strong cultural content and recommended resourcing these models in place of western programs.