Using circles of support and accountability in China: prospects and problems

Sex offenders are a major focus of both current crime control policies and public concerns about crime. Using the philosophy of restorative justice, a program in Canada, Circles of Support and Accountability, was created to endeavour to reintegrate sex offenders back into the community in a productive, and supportive fashion while still holding the ex-offender accountable. Rather than responding to crime as a violation of laws that requires the use of formal court proceedings to dispense punishment, restorative justice treats crime as a violation of people and relationships. In China, higher-risk offenders are frequently detained until the end of their sentences, resulting in many being released with little or no community support. By reviewing the characteristics and social control mechanisms in contemporary Chinese society, the current study examines whether Circles of Support and Accountability can be adopted in China.