Circle of Friends

The Circle of Friends approach is often used to assist children to develop their social and communication skills. The four main aims of Circle of Friends are:

• creating a support network for the focus child;
• providing the child with encouragement and recognition for any achievements and progress;
• working with the child to identify difficulties and devising practical ideas to help deal with these difficulties;
• helping to put these ideas into practice.

Children are carefully selected to take part in the group so as to improve peer relationships. The group would normally consist of 6 to 8 members and meet for approximately 6 sessions each lasting 40 minutes, focusing on work around friendships to enhance inclusion.