What is the Circle of Security?
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The Circle of Security is a of attachment. It is used in parent engagement and intervention programs around the world to help caregivers better understand and meet children's attachment needs. Since the original Circle of Security Parenting program was released in 2010, it has been translated into more than a dozen languages.
What are parents saying about Circle of Security?
Foster Parent, York
Improved Emotional Connection:
"I feel much more in tune with my child’s needs. The COS program helped me understand their cues better, and I can respond more calmly and confidently."
Sam, Staffordhire
Better Understanding of Attachment Needs:
"The framework gave me a clear way to understand why my child behaves the way they do, helping me provide the emotional support they need."
Julie, Staffordshire
Positive Change in Child’s Behavior:
"Since applying what I’ve learned, my child seems more settled and happier, and I’m seeing less of the challenging behaviour."
Circle of Security (COS): Enhancing Caregiver-Child Relationships
The Circle of Security is an attachment-based framework designed to help caregivers understand and meet their children's emotional needs. It illustrates the balance between a child's need for exploration ("going out") and their need for comfort and safety ("coming in"), with the caregiver acting as both a secure base and a safe haven.
​This model provides a visual map that guides caregivers in recognizing and responding to children's attachment cues, fostering secure relationships. By focusing on the caregiver's capacity to reflect on their child's needs and their own responses, COS promotes emotional security and resilience in children.
COS has been successfully applied in various settings, including family services, schools, and mental health programs, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in enhancing caregiver-child connections.