Child & Family is a private, nonprofit organization working every day to help the most vulnerable children, families, and seniors across Rhode Island since 1866. 
Our mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and the communities in which they live by identifying needs and utilizing best practices. 

Circle of Parents

Circle of Parents is founded on the belief that children are valuable and have the right to grow up free from abuse and neglect; that children have the right to a nurturing home, family, and community; and that parents have the right to non–judgmental support, respect, and compassion. 

Image of a family cooking in the kitchen together

What is Circle of Parents?

Unlike the more traditionally-oriented programs for the prevention of child abuse and neglect, the Circle of Parents program is a parent-focused, parent-led support group for biological parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, grandparents, kinship caregivers, etc. It provides an opportunity for people to exchange ideas, share information, learn new parenting skills, and gather information about available community resources. 

All meetings are free, parent-led, and guided by trained group facilitators with the goal of helping families strengthen their core units and understand the value of essential communication and responsibility. 

We welcome all families, including military families and service members who are Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, or Veterans. Join our next meeting or look for more information about us at Yellow Ribbon events.

Circle of Parents

The Circle of Parents principles of parental support groups include:

  • Trust – listen to each other openly and honestly, with compassion and non–judgment 
  • Reciprocity – parents are the best teachers and can learn from one another 
  • Respect – everyone has the right to be heard in the safety of the group 
  • Parenting – focus on what is happening today and how that will make a better tomorrow 

The Objective of the Circle of Parents Program

The Circle of Parents model seeks to reduce isolation, which is a critical contributing factor to child abuse and neglect. The Circle of Parents model seeks to reduce parent and caregiver isolation, which is a critical contributing factor to child abuse and neglect, while also helping to build self–esteem and reinforce positive parenting. The program also offers parents the opportunity to be exposed to other families, letting them know that their behavior and their family dynamics are typical, and providing reassurance that the challenges a parent faces are not insurmountable. The program also promotes parent leadership and shared leadership within each group, provides the opportunity to improve communication and problem–solving skills, and links parents to valuable resources in the community. Parents who parent together create communities of leaders who support one another to build strong and vibrant families where children can be safe and thrive. 

Check out our Circle of Parents Calendar

Contact Information:
Alyssa Loffredo, Coordinator
(401) 471-8690
aloffredo@childandfamilyri.org

Brenda Alejo, PSN Circle of Parents
(401) 467-6855
b.alejo@psnri.org

october, 2024