Abstract
This chapter discusses the importance of evaluation and proposes a structure and process suitable for an evaluation of Circles of Support and Accountability. The chapter is presented in four parts. Part one briefly covers Core Member recidivism and discusses the use of the dynamic risk review in evaluating the effectiveness of CoSA in promoting desistance. In part two, several factors relating to emotional wellbeing are presented, to illustrate the effect which positive change can have upon Core Member reintegration. Additionally, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale is suggested as a suitable scale with which to evaluate Core Member wellbeing. Success and failure in CoSA is the focus of part three. Provisional sub-sets of CoSA failure are distinguished and the processes of such failures are compared with attrition in sex offender treatment programmes. Lastly, research with CoSA volunteers and professionals is presented. It is argued that the accountability aspect of Circles may not be beneficial in supporting Core Member reintegration and rehabilitation, whilst a therapeutic environment is essential.
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Dwerryhouse, M. (2018). Evaluating Community-Based Circles of Support and Accountability. In: Elliott, H., Hocken, K., Lievesley, R., Blagden, N., Winder, B., Banyard, P. (eds) Sexual Crime and Circles of Support and Accountability. Sexual Crime. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74823-8_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74823-8_5
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