3.0 Methodology The Community Justice Network of Vermont (CJNVT) commissioned the 360˚ Review of Vermont’s COSA Programs with funding and support from the Department of Corrections (DOC). The Review was undertaken with three contractually defined goals: 1. Understand the perspectives of key program stakeholders including CJC staff; COSA Volunteers; DOC Probation & Parole, Facility and Central Office staff; DOC Victim Advocates; and Core Members. 2. Document common and unique local COSA practices, from service referral through Circle completion. 3. Explore a set of overarching questions, including: 3.1 What draws citizens to volunteer for the COSA program and how can their indispensable service be supported and sustained? 3.2 What are the service experiences and needs of the COSA programs’ referring and partnering agencies? 3.3 What are indicators of high-quality COSA service? 3.4 Where are COSA programs feeling most successful at meeting these indicators and where are they encountering localized or shared challenges? 3.5 Where are the opportunities for statewide standardization of practice and where is it imperative to protect the local integrity of service? 3.6 What are the respective and shared roles/responsibilities of the COSA programs’ key stakeholders: Corrections, Treatment, Victim Services, Community Justice Centers and the CJNVT? 3.1 Data Gathering Working in consultation with the CJNVT and DOC Central Office, Marc Wennberg (Consultant) organized the Review into four sequential phases: Initial Outreach, Online Surveys, Focus Groups, and Report Formulation. Between March 1 and April 31, 2016, the 360˚ Review began with initial outreach and in-person and phone meetings with COSA program stakeholders, including CJC administrative and program staff; DOC Victim Advocates; and DOC Central Office Restorative Unit staff. These initial meetings served to both frame the purpose and structure of the Review and inform the topic areas, content and distribution methods for the Online Surveys.
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