Circle of Security
The Circle of Security (COS) is an attachment-based model that helps caregivers
understand and respond to children's emotional and developmental needs.
Developed by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell, the model is based on
the attachment theories of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth and provides a
practical framework for strengthening secure relationships between children and
caregivers. The Circle of Security explains that children need caregivers who
support both their exploration of the world and their need for comfort, protection
and emotional regulation. Within social work, the model is widely used in child
protection, fostering, adoption, family support and early intervention because it
promotes secure attachment, resilience and healthy emotional development
(Cooper, Hoffman & Powell, 2017).
The Circle of Security was developed during the 1990s and early 2000s following
research into attachment and child development. While Bowlby and Ainsworth
established the importance of secure attachment, Hoffman, Cooper and Powell
sought to create a practical model that could be easily understood and applied
by parents, carers and professionals. The programme is now used internationally
in health, education and children's social care to strengthen parent-child
relationships and improve caregiving sensitivity.
The model is represented as a circle, illustrating the child's continual movement
between two equally important attachment needs.
The Top of the Circle – Exploration
The top of the circle represents the child's need to explore the world. Children
naturally move away from their caregiver to play, learn, investigate and develop
independence. During exploration, caregivers provide a secure base by:
Supporting exploration.
Encouraging learning.
Taking delight in the child's achievements.
Helping when needed.
Watching over the child to ensure safety.
Children who experience consistent support during exploration develop
confidence, curiosity and resilience because they know they can return to a
trusted adult if needed.
The Circle of Security (COS) is an attachment-based model that helps caregivers
understand and respond to children's emotional and developmental needs.
Developed by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell, the model is based on
the attachment theories of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth and provides a
practical framework for strengthening secure relationships between children and
caregivers. The Circle of Security explains that children need caregivers who
support both their exploration of the world and their need for comfort, protection
and emotional regulation. Within social work, the model is widely used in child
protection, fostering, adoption, family support and early intervention because it
promotes secure attachment, resilience and healthy emotional development
(Cooper, Hoffman & Powell, 2017).
The Circle of Security was developed during the 1990s and early 2000s following
research into attachment and child development. While Bowlby and Ainsworth
established the importance of secure attachment, Hoffman, Cooper and Powell
sought to create a practical model that could be easily understood and applied
by parents, carers and professionals. The programme is now used internationally
in health, education and children's social care to strengthen parent-child
relationships and improve caregiving sensitivity.
The model is represented as a circle, illustrating the child's continual movement
between two equally important attachment needs.
The Top of the Circle – Exploration
The top of the circle represents the child's need to explore the world. Children
naturally move away from their caregiver to play, learn, investigate and develop
independence. During exploration, caregivers provide a secure base by:
Supporting exploration.
Encouraging learning.
Taking delight in the child's achievements.
Helping when needed.
Watching over the child to ensure safety.
Children who experience consistent support during exploration develop
confidence, curiosity and resilience because they know they can return to a
trusted adult if needed.
