Finding common ground on a journey from pain to hope : CoSA as restorative justice

Abstract

This thesis examines restorative justice principles and theories in order to determine if the program Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) can be considered a restorative justice program. Six face-to-face unstructured interviews were also conducted with volunteer, core, and staff members of CoSA Halifax using a narrative approach. A thematic analysis of the interviews was then completed. Based on the research, it is concluded that Circles of Support and Accountability can be considered restorative justice.