@article{ref1,
title="Can circles of support and accountability (CoSA) significantly reduce sexual recidivism? Results from a randomized controlled trial in Minnesota",
journal="Journal of experimental criminology",
year="2018",
author="Duwe, Grant",
volume="14",
number="4",
pages="463-484",
abstract="OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the effectiveness of Minnesota Circles of Support and Accountability (MnCOSA), a sex offender reentry program implemented by the Minnesota Department of Corrections in 2008.<br><br>METHODS Using a randomized controlled trial, this study compares recidivism and cost-benefit outcomes among sex offenders in the MnCOSA (N = 50) and control groups (N = 50).<br><br>RESULTS The results suggest MnCOSA significantly reduced sexual recidivism, lowering the risk of rearrest for a new sex offense by 88%. In addition, MnCOSA significantly decreased all four measures of general recidivism, with reductions ranging in size from 49 to 57%. As a result of the reduction in recidivism, findings from the cost-benefit analysis reveal the program has generated an estimated $2 million in costs avoided to the state, resulting in a benefit of $40,923 per participant. For every dollar spent on MnCOSA, the program has yielded an estimated benefit of $3.73.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS Although difficult to implement, the CoSA model is a cost-effective intervention for sex offenders that could also be applied to other correctional populations with a high risk of violent recidivism.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1573-3750",
doi="10.1007/s11292-018-9325-7",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11292-018-9325-7"
}