What is Circle of Parents™?
Circle of Parents™ is a parent mutual self-help support program based on a simple and time tested model: through peer-to-peer leadership and support at weekly meetings, people in a parenting capacity can, over time, gain self-esteem, overcome isolation and improve their parenting skills by exchanging support and positive parenting suggestions.

Circle of Parents™ is the result of a collaborative effort between the National Family Support Roundtable (the Roundtable) and Prevent Child Abuse America, both of which Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin is a member.

Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin's vision is to insure that all parents have access to a parent support group in their community as one way for them to get assistance with the challenges of parenting. We are developing a network of Circle of Parents™ programs in Wisconsin. All Circle of Parents™ Programs agree to the following network standards:

• Groups utilize the mutual self-help support model.
• A trained group facilitator and parent leader facilitate the support groups.

• Open groups meet weekly and are offered at no cost to any participant.
• Based on parent need and feasibility, a no-cost children's program is available; if this is not possible, quality child care is provided.
• Groups are ongoing, require no intake, and with few exceptions are open to all parents.
• Group members are assured of confidentiality in a non-judgmental environment, within the limits of the law.
• Community resource information that supports healthy family development is available to all group members.

• Emotional support to reduce anger and stress
• Social support to reduce isolation
• Encouragement to adopt non-abusive parenting interaction
• Anger management strategies
• Advocacy and leadership opportunities
• Child development information
• Reinforcement of positive parenting skills
• Encouragement to increase self-sufficiency
• Opportunities to learn and practice good communication skills
• Information and referral to community resources

How to Get a Circle of Parents™ Program Started In Your Community

These two worksheets can help you plan the first steps needed to start a successful Circle of Parents program.

Getting Started (pdf)

Estimating Program Expenses (pdf)

Circle Connection Bulletin

Circle Connection is a brief newsletter that contains information for parents as well as program staff and volunteers. 

 January 2005 (pdf)

 March 2005 (pdf)

 July/August 2005 (pdf)

September/October 2005 (pdf)

 How do I learn more about the Circle of Parents™ Program?

To learn more about the Circle of Parents™ Network in Wisconsin, call 1-800-CHILDREN or email at pcaw@cssw.org. If you are in Milwaukee County please contact The Parenting Network at: 414-671-5575. You may also want to log on to the Circle of Parents™ website at: www.circleofparents.org.