Supporting Change: An Exploration Into the Impact of Circles of Support and Accountability on STABLE-2007 Risk...

Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) enhance community safety by supporting individuals convicted of sexual offenses as they transition back into society. We conducted exploratory interviews with COSA participants (N = 19), using the STABLE-2007 to assess their views of how specific risk factors contributed to their offending and how COSA helped mitigate these factors. The risk factors most reported as contributing to the offense were Sexual Preoccupation (n = 19), Capacity for Relationship (n = 18), and Poor Problem Solving (n = 18). Across all items, participants overwhelmingly perceived COSA as helpful, even for risk factors that participants did not consider having contributed to their offense. Thematic analysis revealed themes across risk factors, including opportunities to address them in a supportive, shame-free environment, as well as the development of genuine relationships. We recommend greater recognition of COSA as an adjunctive support for treatment progress and completion, especially in jurisdictions with mandated sexual offending programs.