IN-CJ Podcast 020 – Applying Lessons from Circles for Restorative Justice
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | TuneIn | RSS
A chance to hear the conversation from the IN-CJ Newsdesk about the Circles process for restorative justice. This episode is presented in Spanish and Catalan, and was coordinated by Carles Soler, Centre d’Estudis Jurídics i Formació Especialitzada.
The CerclesCat program is aimed to serve the reintegration and the prevention of recidivism of high risk sex offenders in the community. Based on the restorative justice principles, is an adaptation of Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) which is in operation in several prison systems in Europe and North America.
During the session a presentation about what Circles is like in Catalonia and its benefits from the point of view of involved professionals will be given. Participating in the presentation are: a coordinator of the program, a psychologist and a social worker from two prisons, a Circle coordinator, and a volunteer.
This episode of the IN-CJ podcast examines the practice of Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) and its adaptation in Catalonia as the CERCLASCAT programme. The discussion highlights how restorative justice principles can be applied to support the reintegration of people convicted of sexual offences while prioritising community safety and accountability.
Circles originated in Canada in the mid-1990s and were introduced in Catalonia in 2012. The model brings together a core member—a person released from prison after serving a sentence for a sexual offence—with trained community volunteers and professionals. Circles are structured around two layers: an internal circle of volunteers who provide trust, emotional support, and pro-social guidance, and an external circle of professionals—including police, probation, and programme coordinators—who ensure oversight and risk management.
The principles of “no more victims” and “no secrets” underpin the programme. Volunteers described how circles create safe spaces where core members can talk openly about challenges such as stigma, isolation, and relapse risks. For offenders, circles provide opportunities to rebuild self-esteem, develop social networks, and practice accountability. For volunteers, the experience fosters empathy, awareness, and shared responsibility for prevention.
Practitioners and coordinators reflected on the broader impact of CERCLASCAT. They highlighted how circles strengthen reintegration, reduce risks of reoffending, and contribute to community protection by building stronger connections between individuals, families, and justice professionals. The discussion emphasised that reintegration is not just a personal journey but a collective responsibility, requiring trust, collaboration, and a restorative mindset.
This conversation demonstrates how restorative justice can provide innovative and effective responses to complex challenges in criminal justice. Circles offer a model of community involvement that balances rehabilitation with safeguarding, ensuring that the focus remains on preventing harm and building safer communities.
