Helping sex offenders? Are you kidding?

We don’t like sex offenders. 

Let’s face it. many liberal Americans will stand behind illegal immigrants, transgender persons, gays, mentally challenged individuals and homeless people. But sex offenders? Nope! No way! 

Well, you and I have a problem. Right here in Michigan we have some 4,000 sex offenders in our state prisons, and most are going to be released someday. However, we’ve placed so many hurdles in their path that successful reentry is very difficult and recidivism is very possible. These men and women can’t get housing, can’t get jobs, can’t avoid the social stigma attached to their record, and face all kinds of problems due to our sex offender registration system. 

They are even shunned in the Christian community. Many churches develop policies regarding sex offenders including conditional attendance, perhaps other risk management strategies, and in some cases, even total exclusion. 

I’d like to introduce you to CoSA 

CoSA (Circle of Support and Accountability) is a community-based model that supports individuals returning to society after a criminal sexual conduct conviction. CoSA especially focuses on those considered high-risk, offering a proven approach that significantly reduces recidivism. 

The CoSA story began in the year 1994, and in another state. 

A man named Charlie — a high-risk sex offender who had been locked up since childhood — was released from prison after completing his sentence. With no parole officer, no supervision and no conditions on his release, his return to the community sparked widespread fear, media outrage and public backlash. Given Charlie’s history of reoffending shortly after prior releases, many believed it was only a matter of time before it happened again. 

Seeing the problem, a local pastor, the Rev, Harry Nigh, decided to do something about it. Teaming up with a correctional psychologist and a group of concerned citizens, Nigh formed a small circle of community volunteers to support Charlie in his reintegration. They called themselves “Charlie’s Angels.” This became the very first Circle of Support and Accountability (CoSA). 

The volunteers provided Charlie with much-needed companionship, practical assistance and emotional support. They helped him navigate life outside prison, offering structure, encouragement and accountability.  Most importantly, they treated Charlie as a human being worthy of dignity and growth. 

The result? Charlie never reoffended! 

Despite being labeled high-risk, Charlie’s involvement in the circle transformed his trajectory. His success story became a compelling example of what’s possible when communities engage in restorative justice. It led to the creation of CoSA as a formal model, now used across Canada, the U.S. and around the world. 

I’m proud to say that we have CoSA in Michigan. I’m especially proud to report that HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS is involved! Our CEO, Mark Hartman, recently completed a two-day training session here in Grand Haven. 

For the record, HFP has jumped into prisoner reentry with both feet. We’ve mentioned in the past that 80-90% of these prisoners will get out some day. It only makes sense that, in assisting our clients with in-prison issues, we also do our part to help them make a successful reentry into society. 

Our philosophy matches that of the Catholic Church, as explained by the Vatican News, recognizing …the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their actions, and the importance of offering mercy and the possibility of redemption.

They matter!

  

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