A most significant change study of the impact of Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) training on professional practice in an Australia child and family agency

Abstract

Purpose

Circle of Security-Parenting (COS-P) is an eight week psycho-educational parenting program aimed at increasing attachment security between caregivers/parents and children. This qualitative research study considered the impact of the 4 day COS-P facilitator training on professional practice within an Australian child and family welfare organization.

Method

A modified version of the Most Significant Change (MSC) Technique (which aims to understand what changes occurred following an event and is often utilised to increase organizational knowledge and reflection) was used. Eight child and family practitioners who had undertaken the COS-P facilitator training generated MSC stories, which were thematically analysed to identify domains of change.

Results

Four domains of change in professional practice were identified: reinforcement and application of attachment theory and COS core concepts; shared language/understanding; enacting reflective functioning; and, enacting relationships.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that widespread COS-P training across an entire multi-disciplinary team/organization has strong capacity to foster a collectively understood attachment-based practice framework, enhance reflective capacity and enrich relationships − not only with regards to direct practice with families, but also within peer and supervisory relationships. Implications for child, youth and family services organisations relating to individual and team practice and supervision, professional development, and organisational leadership and culture are considered.