Reentry & COSA
The Chittenden County CJC works with people returning to our community after incarceration to offer support, accountability, and connection.
Coming Home is a documentary film by Bess O'Brien focused on five people returning back to their Vermont communities from prison. The film focuses on the innovative CoSA program (Circle of Support and Accountability) that helps reintegrate folks back into their daily lives. The CoSA program is run through Vermont’s Community Justice Centers and is part of the restorative justice model. Go to www.kingdomcounty.org for more information.
Want to connect with the Reentry Specialist?​
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Contact us
by email reentry@burlingtonvt.gov
or calling 802-865-7155
Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA)
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The primary focus of the CoSA program is “no more victims.” CoSAs provide a restorative approach to justice by supporting, building, and maintaining healthy patterns of living for offenders as they re-enter the community.
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CoSA teams or “circles” include 3-5 trained volunteers and a staff member who meet weekly with the core member to help them develop healthy relationships, manage day-to-day life, and adhere to post-release expectations. As the core member grows and rebuilds community connections, the CoSA celebrates their successes while supporting their transition through daily struggles and potential challenges.
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CoSA volunteers are essential in representing a bond of mutual respect, understanding, and building on the life experience of others. The diversity amongst CoSA volunteers’ thinking, age, experience, and perspectives represent the community at large.​​