CoSA Canada INC

CoSA Canada INC is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing sexual victimization by assisting individuals who have committed sexual offences to reintegrate into their communities in responsible, constructive, and accountable ways. The organization operates based on restorative justice principles and provides support primarily through the model of Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA).

Overview

CoSA Canada serves as a national office for CoSA sites across Canada, helping local programs reduce recidivism among people who have committed sexual offences. Since its incorporation in 2015, the organization has supported CoSA initiatives in 15 locations nationwide. Through these efforts, CoSA Canada facilitates the reintegration of core members—individuals who have offended—and reduces the likelihood of reoffending by fostering community-based support networks.

Mission and Approach

The core philosophy underpinning CoSA Canada is restorative justice, emphasizing accountability, support, and the rebuilding of trust within communities. CoSA operates by forming volunteer-led "circles" that provide social support and accountability to the core members as they transition back into society after incarceration. This evidence-based approach has led to substantial reductions in sexual offence recidivism, with research indicating decreases in re-arrest rates by as much as 88% and reductions in general recidivism between 49% and 57%.

Programs and Initiatives

Beyond traditional in-person Circles, CoSA Canada has innovated with the development of Virtual Circles of Support and Accountability to broaden access to support for core members in remote or underserved communities. This virtual initiative aims to:

• Expand the reach of CoSA programming to areas without local in-person Circles.
• Address waitlists for Circle participation.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers nationwide, enabling them to participate remotely.

The virtual program involves creating a consistent national model for virtual Circles, including volunteer management and referral processes. This enhances CoSA Canada's capacity to serve diverse populations across Canada, particularly in regions with limited local volunteer availability.

Research and Partnerships

Since 2017, CoSA Canada has actively contributed to academic research and partnered with federal and nonprofit bodies to advance the knowledge and effectiveness of restorative justice practices linked to sexual offence rehabilitation. The organization has also developed national operational frameworks and training materials to standardize and improve the quality of CoSA programs and volunteer training across Canada.

Leadership

Cliff Yumansky has served as the Executive Director since 2021. He brings extensive experience in corrections and criminal justice policy, including previous leadership roles at Public Safety Canada where he worked on high-risk offender management, sex offender registry systems, victim services, and related policy initiatives.

Impact

CoSA Canada has demonstrated significant success in enhancing public safety through its reduction of sexual offence recidivism. The organization has been recognized for its Canadian-made restorative justice model and its ability to adapt to evolving community and technological needs, making it a critical player in sexual offence prevention and offender reintegration across the country.

Business Registration Number: 824047963RR0001

Note: This article is based on publicly available information as of 2025.