WHY MUTUAL SELF-HELP SUPPORT GROUPS? Parent mutual self-help support groups play an active role in strengthening families. In group settings, families find support and gain information, both of which help parents develop resilience and the ability to better handle life’s stressful events. The premise of parent mutual self-help support groups is that they help promote protective factors

What is Circle of Parents? Circle of Parents is a weekly parent support group program which provides parents a place to connect with each other, learn from each other and be sources of strength to each other. Established in 1999, Circle of Parents is a national network of parenting support groups which operates in 25 states and territories throughout the United States.

Foundations of Circle of Parents Circle of Parents is built on three foundations: Family support Mutual Self-help Shared Leadership

How does Circle of Parents “Work”? Weekly meetings are co-led by parents and trained “qualified”facilitators/professionals. Groups size varies (Usually 5 – 9 participants but can be more or less) Participating parents gain a sense of belonging and relief as they learn that family dynamics and their child’s behavior are more typical than problematic.

How does Circle of Parents “Work”? (continued) Parents become resources to each other inside and outside of the group by sharing coping strategies and parenting skills from parents who have “been there”. Parents advocate for themselves and other parents as they both give and receive help and thereby recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength – not a sign of weakness.

Are You Really Listening?

Have you ever felt like this man when a group member opens their mouth to “go there again?”

How do you rate your abilities to be a listener? GOOD

How do you rate your group in terms of their listening skills? As the parent leader/facilitator, do you provide a good role model to group members to become better listeners? Does your group create an atmosphere in which everyone feels they have a chance to be actively listened to?

What's So Great About Active Listening? It shows the other person you are involved with him/her as a person. It shows the sender that you have understood him/her. It gives the other person a chance to air his/her feelings. It lowers that person's emotional temperature. It helps the other person to be his/her own problem solver. The receiver "stays out of it," is a facilitator, not a problem-solver. It may help the sender to see the problem at a deeper, less superficial level. It gives courage to the sender to be more open and honest with you because you are showing acceptance. You, the receiver, hear more data and information. Best of all, this kind of listening (understanding and accepting) promotes a warm, intimate relationship. Source: University of Wisconsin-Extension. Listening Lesson

How does the Circle of Parents model encourage an environment for active listening and sharing? Dinner time conversation – sets a tone; provides an opportunity to observe the family interaction and gives group leaders a “heads up” as to parents stress level. Opening statement, followed by introductions with the positive go-around lead in… - sets the tone for group – gets everyone “ready to listen and be listened to…” Parent Education topic – provides helpful parenting information and an initial “safety zone” for the discussion to begin… Open discussion time – this is when the group leaders really need to use their active listening skills to encourage the group to move to the “norming stage” of group development or perhaps even a “performing stage.” Closing statement – Important to remember to do it as it creates an assurance of confidentiality which will encourage parents to return.

Remember the question to ask yourself as you reflect on the group discussion as you are driving home…. Is not – Did I lead a good group tonight?? But is should be …Is the Parent Leader exhibiting stronger group leader skills? Is the group functioning in an “effective flow” which encourages an atmosphere of “sharing ideas and sharing support.”?

Circle of Parents is Effective in “Strengthening” Families Through its Strengthening Families Initiative, the Center for the Study of Social Policy has determined that there are five protective factors paramount in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. As adapted by the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Program (CBCAP), these five protective factors are: nurturing and attachment of the children knowledge of effective parenting knowledge of child and youth development parental resilience social connections and solid support for parents

Research results indicate that Circle of Parents is an effective child abuse prevention program Parent mutual self-help support groups adhere to these five guidelines in their core philosophy and have gained national recognition in the campaign to prevent child abuse and neglect. Over the past four decades, research on risk factors and conditions associated with child abuse and neglect have pointed to the need for social support and the benefits that a parent support group can provide. (Falconer, 2006; Pion-Berlin and Kolinsky, 2000).

2011 Research Study Based on this set of results, there is evidence that these Circle of Parents participants had statistically significant changes in the expected response directions across 4 out of 5 protective factors categories with both the conventional pre/post and the retrospective pre/post formats. (Results available on conference website)

Listed on the California Evidence Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare With the recent research study the Circle of Parents model is also now considered a Level II Promising Program and Practices program.

A Parent Leader’s Voice "Parent self-help support groups are effective because parents are the experts; parents have been there and done it. When you get information from someone who has already been through it in some way, it is more effective." - parent leader

Parent Engagement and Empowerment Principles are Key The sponsoring agency(ies) must recognize and embrace parent participation. They must be willing to work to identify parents who are clear about what parent leadership is and who feel supported by the group as they develop the necessary skills to become parent leaders.

Voices of Parent Leadership Let’s hear what some Circle of Parents leaders have to say about their parent leadership experience. (Video)

A Parent Leader… Improves the quality of programs, services and the community itself Increases responsiveness of service providers Shares responsibility for maintaining the group Builds an advocacy base Increases understanding of cultures Brings fresh and creative solutions Increases visibility and respect for program in the community Improves the ability of the program to accomplish its mission, prevent child abuse and neglect and strengthen families through mutual self-help parent support groups.

A Parent Leader’s Voice "Sometimes I feel like, oh, maybe I should just have the answers. And I don't. It's way better not to have answers because we draw upon the wisdom of the whole group. And sometimes there is no answer. It's just a matter of being there and saying we feel for you, we care about you, and we want to see you next week, and we're with you on this.” - parent leader

Children’s Program is Essential to the Success of the Model Objectives of the Circle of Parents Children’s program: Provide a safe and supportive environment for children. Provide opportunities for children to develop self-esteem and social skills. Support children in learning safe and healthy ways to handle feelings. Model effective problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques. Circle of Parents is committed to helping the entire family!!

How Can You Make This Happen in Your Community? Schedule meetings with community leaders to familiarize them with the effectiveness of the Circle of Parents program model in preventing child abuse and neglect. Identify agency partners who are committed to launching and supporting the program.

How Can We Make This Happen in Your Community? (continued) Identify staff (can be a combination of volunteers and professionals) Identify location(s) which will provide appropriate space for adult and children meetings. Schedule training for staff – Prevent Child Abuse Virginia (PCAV) provides free training for their affiliates. Julie Rivnak-McAdam is the PCAV Circle of Parents consultant/trainer. Her number is (804)359-6166 ext. 311. Following training work with Prevent Child Abuse Virginia to develop the plan for initiating the program in your community.

Need more information? Check out the Circle of Parents website at www.circleofparents.org and preventchildabuseva.org. Contact Johanna Schuchert – Prevent Child Abuse Virginia Executive Director jschuchert@pcav.org (804) 359-6166 or Julie Rivnak-McAdam – Prevent Child Abuse Virginia Program Manager (804)359-6166 ext. 311 circleofparents@pcav.org