Circle of Security is an evidence-based, reflective parenting programme designed to support you in understanding your child’s emotional world and helping you to strengthen your relationship with them. The programme is based on decades of international research and is founded on putting into action the principles of attachment theory in parenting. Circles of Security is not a behaviour modification course, rather a programme centered upon building warm, secure attachment relationships.
This specific delivery of the programme is for parents of adopted children, aged 0-10 years.
In this eight-week group programme (online), parents will learn how to:
• Understand the emotional needs behind their children’s behaviour
• Support their child’s ability to manage their feelings (especially ‘big’ feelings)
• Support their children to explore the world safely and joyfully
• Consider and tend to your own needs when parenting
Each week, two Barnardos Post-Adoption Project Workers, specially trained in the Circle of Security, will guide you through the session which involves space for personal and group reflection. It will be a ‘closed’ group meaning that it is the same group of parents throughout the 8 weeks and parents are asked to fully commit to all eight sessions. All sessions should be attended as each week builds upon the next.
There will also be a group agreement in place to provide for group safety and strict confidentiality.
Structure:
Apart from Session 1, which is an introduction to the programme, each session begins with a reflection on the previous session and an opportunity for parents to share their observations, challenges, and learning from the week. Each session involves some Circle of Security video clips and group discussion, explanation of key concepts, and some personal reflection. Handouts and reflective exercises are also provided throughout.
Necessary for Participation:
The following are required for enrolment and participation in the programme:
• A safe, uninterrupted space with good internet connectivity is essential. The format of the engagement on the programme requires that you have your video camera on throughout the entire session so that the group can establish a positive and warm relationship with each other.
• A commitment to fully attending and engaging in all 8 weeks. Should a session be missed, in order to continue onto the next session, it is required that you arrange to meet with a facilitator for a ‘catch-up’ session before the following session. Please note, this can only be facilitated once.
• A commitment to the group agreement that it is a safe, confidential, and supportive space.
• Active engagement in the group: this course requires your own reflections and feedback on what you are seeing and learning through the weeks.
• Self-Reflection: In your own time between sessions, observing and reflecting on your interactions with your child and practicing different ways of interacting with your child.
• Week 1: Wednesday 15th April 2026
• Week 2: Wednesday 22nd April 2026
• Week 3: Wednesday 29th April 2026
• Week 4: Wednesday 6th May 2026
• Week 5: Wednesday 13th May 2026
• Week 6: Wednesday 20th May 2026
• Week 7: Wednesday 27thMay 2026
• Week 8: Wednesday 3rd June 2026