A prison-model of CoSA: the potential to offer “through the gate” support and accountability

Kitson-Boyce, Rosie; Blagden, N; Winder, Belinda; Dillon, Gayle

doi:10.1080/13552600.2018.1509575

Cited by 8 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…The first theme within the context of ambiguous practice involved a belief that the 'real job' of a volunteer involved more instrumental and practical support, which could not be started until the Core Member was released from prison. The importance of expressive and emotional support needs to therefore be reinforced to volunteers, along with the benefits of the prison sessions, which has been discussed in previous studies (Kitson-Boyce et al, 2018b, Kitson-Boyce et al, 2018c. Volunteer commitment was also raised as a potential issue by both the Core Members and the volunteers themselves.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Supporting Desistance Through Ambiguous Practice: What Can Be Learned From the First Prison-Based Model of CoSA in England and Wales?

Kitson-Boyce

Blagden

Winder

et al. 2019

Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice

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Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) are an initiative designed to support those previously convicted of sexual offences as they reintegrate back in to society, whilst still holding them accountable for their thoughts and behaviour (Cesaroni, 2002). The aim of the research was to explore the Core Member and volunteer experience of being involved in a CoSA that transitions from prison to community, with the objective being to focus upon what can be learnt from these initial experiences. The study included qualitative interviews with two separate groups of participants; Core Members (n=7) and volunteers (n=10) involved in the Page 2 of 38 prison-model CoSA. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the data was undertaken to consider the individual's subjective experience of being involved in this initiative. A superordinate theme of ambiguous practice was identified, whereby volunteers appeared to overlook the importance of expressive support, described a lack of commitment from other fellow volunteers and demonstrated a confusion surrounding the accountability aspect of their role. Despite the confusion highlighted, however, the accountability aspect of the volunteers' role was identified through their indirect support of Core members' desistance. The second superordinate theme outlined the volunteers' encouragement of the Core Members new pro-social lifestyle, thus helping to reinforce their crime-free identity. This led to a concern, however, of what would happen once the CoSA journey had come to an end. The learning derived from these findings can now be used to continue to develop and improve the use of prison-model CoSA across England and Wales.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…The volunteers seem eager to reach the community part of the CoSA. It is therefore, important for CoSA coordinators to recognise these feelings within volunteers and reinforce the benefits of the prison sessions that have been outlined previously (Kitson-Boyce et al, 2018b, Kitson-Boyce et al, 2018c).…”

Section: Extractmentioning

confidence: 98%

Supporting Desistance Through Ambiguous Practice: What Can Be Learned From the First Prison-Based Model of CoSA in England and Wales?

Kitson-Boyce

Blagden

Winder

et al. 2019

Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice

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“…Research on peer mentorship programs in the context of the criminal legal system has demonstrated immense benefits, including improved health outcomes ( South et al , 2014 ; Cunningham et al , 2018 ; McLeod et al , 2019 ), feelings of belonging ( Collica, 2010 ; Fels et al , 2014 ; South et al , 2016 ) and connection with employment and disability services ( Hunter and Boyce, 2009 ; Redcross et al , 2016 ; Harrod, 2019 ). For many people, release can mean feelings of stress and hopelessness ( Kitson-Boyce et al , 2018 ; Liem and Weggemans, 2018 ; McLeod et al , 2020 ), peers are uniquely positioned to walk alongside people in offering comfort, wisdom and support.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting people leaving prisons during COVID-19: perspectives from peer health mentors

McLeod

Timler

Korchinski

et al. 2021

IJPH

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Purpose Currently, people leaving prisons face concurrent risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the overdose public health emergency. The closure or reduction of community services people rely on after release such as treatment centres and shelters has exacerbated the risks of poor health outcomes and harms. This paper aims to learn from peer health mentors (PHM) about changes to their work during overlapping health emergencies, as well as barriers and opportunities to support people leaving prison in this context. Design/methodology/approach The Unlocking the Gates (UTG) Peer Health Mentoring Program supports people leaving prison in British Columbia during the first three days after release. The authors conducted two focus groups with PHM over video conference in May 2020. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed, and themes were iteratively developed using narrative thematic analysis. Findings The findings highlighted the importance of peer health mentorship for people leaving prisons. PHM discussed increased opportunities for collaboration, ways the pandemic has changed how they are able to provide support, and how PHM are able to remain responsive and flexible to meet client needs. Additionally, PHM illuminated ways that COVID-19 has exacerbated existing barriers and identified specific actions needed to support client health, including increased housing and recovery beds, and tools for social and emotional well-being. Originality/value This study contributes to our understanding of peer health mentorship during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of mentors. PHM expertise can support release planning, improved health and well-being of people leaving prison and facilitate policy-supported pandemic responses.

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“…The aim is for volunteers from the local community to support and encourage their reintegration back into society, whilst still holding them accountable for their behavior (Cesaroni, 2002). The UK prison-model CoSA starts approximately 3 months prior to the Core Member's release from prison and lasts into the community on release, with the same volunteers for continuity of support (Kitson-Boyce, Blagden, Winder & Dillon, 2018a, 2018b.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Keith agreed to complete the repertory grids as part of a larger research study exploring the experience of being involved in the prison-model CoSA (Kitson-Boyce et al, 2018a, 2018b.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Application of the Repertory Grid in Forensic Practice

Kitson-Boyce

Wheatley

Blagden

2020

Journal of Constructivist Psychology

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The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of the repertory grid method with forensic populations. Three case studies are presented, each using an adapted variation of the repertory grid method with a different forensic clients: an individual maintaining their innocence, an individual convicted of sexual offenses, and an individual convicted of stalking. An analysis of the repertory grid findings is presented for each case study, including a Principal Component Analysis and a Self-Identity Plot. This analysis of subjective meaning and idiosyncratic belief systems proves invaluable ordinarily, but particularly when working with populations who present as suspicious and guarded in research or clinical settings. Relationship and offendingrelated psychological vulnerabilities are explored, with small psychological changes documented and the use of the repertory grid approach as a clinical tool is highlighted. The findings provide a significant contribution to the field of forensic practice, by demonstrating the utility of the repertory grid method when working with forensic populations. This may, in turn, contribute to researchers' and practitioners' consideration of its use within future forensic practice.

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A prison-model of CoSA: the potential to offer “through the gate” support and accountability

Cited by 8 publications

References 53 publications

Supporting Desistance Through Ambiguous Practice: What Can Be Learned From the First Prison-Based Model of CoSA in England and Wales?

Supporting Desistance Through Ambiguous Practice: What Can Be Learned From the First Prison-Based Model of CoSA in England and Wales?

Supporting people leaving prisons during COVID-19: perspectives from peer health mentors

The Application of the Repertory Grid in Forensic Practice

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