Community Sexual Offending Groupwork Programme

Sacro’s Community Sexual Offending Groupwork Programme (C-SOGP) works with men who have been convicted of a sexual offence. This accredited programme encourages understanding of the reasons behind offending and identifies strategies to prevent re-offending.

What does the service offer?

The C-SOGP is the nationally accredited groupwork programme for men who have sexually offended. The programme encourages men to identify feelings, thoughts and behaviours and to consider the impact of these behaviours on the victim. In a supportive and non-judgemental environment, participants consider the decisions leading up to the choice to offend and are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. By identifying these aspects of the offence, it is possible to identify alternative ways of thinking and behaving in order to establish a future, free of sexual offending.

How does the service work?

Groupwork sessions typically involve up to eight men, as well as two fully-accredited C-SOGP facilitators. Progress and participation are reviewed frequently with the offender’s supervising social worker who is able to offer support with the work undertaken on the programme.

The programme is split into separate modules with all men required to complete the Induction and Relapse Prevention modules. Depending on the outcome of risk assessments, some participants may also be required to attend an additional ‘Core Programme’.

Who is the service aimed at?

The Community Sexual Offending Groupwork Programme works with men who have been convicted of a sexual offence.

How is the service accessed?

Referrals are made via the local authority criminal justice teams. Participants must be subject to some form of statutory supervision order or licence.