Do you love a challenge and enjoy working with other volunteers? Then let yourself be drawn into the world of COSA!
About COSA, specialisatie van Reclassering Nederland
Do you love a challenge and enjoy working with other volunteers? Then let yourself be drawn into the world of COSA!
COSA stands for: Circles for Support, Cooperation, and Accountability.
COSA’s goal is: no new victims (of sexual violence).
This approach is offered by the Dutch Probation Service to sex offenders (called core members) who do not want to commit new offenses. To achieve this, they must learn different behavior than the behavior that got them into trouble. People often cannot do this alone. Receiving support is often difficult for our target group because they are frequently excluded by society.
Loneliness and social isolation are common among sex offenders, and this actually increases the risk of new risks. COSA aims to prevent or break this social isolation. A support network is very helpful in this regard and increases the chance of success. You, as a volunteer, really make a difference here!
What do you do as a volunteer?
Together with a few other volunteers, you form an artificial network around a sex offender (circle).
You support someone by offering a listening ear, giving advice and/or your own opinion, engaging in social activities, and practicing social skills.
Examples of social activities include: walking, having a drink on a terrace, exploring a new living environment, visiting an association together, visiting a museum, participating in pub quizzes, going to the cinema, attending a festival, etcetera.
Examples of social skills include: how to make and maintain contact, how to ask for help in a timely manner, how to increase reciprocity, how to choose contacts that are supportive of me, etcetera.
In addition, you also have a reporting function as a volunteer. If you are concerned about your core member's well-being or notice peculiar behavior or unusual choices, you may of course discuss this openly with your core member, but you must also report it to the circle coordinator, a professional from Reclassering Nederland who guides volunteers throughout the entire process. They are responsible for any follow-up steps. A critical perspective is very welcome in this supportive role.
How to become a volunteer:
You do not need a specific (educational) background. However, we do require a good command of the Dutch language and the ability to distinguish between the offense and the person you are interacting with.
After registration, we always start with a no-obligation introductory meeting. You can ask all your questions, and we will explain how the approach works and what is expected of you as a volunteer. If we are both enthusiastic, you will attend a mandatory two-day training course to truly discover if this volunteer work makes you happy. During those days, we also look at your qualities, potential vulnerabilities, and areas for development. In an individual follow-up interview, we will decide from both sides whether you become available. If there is a mutual 'yes', we will then only need a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
What we offer:
- Good guidance/coaching for both the volunteer groups and for you individually
- Theme evenings
- Peer supervision meetings
- A safe learning environment
- Good travel and expense reimbursement
- Connection with other volunteers
Good accessibility, including in the evenings and on weekends