This presentation will discuss the outcomes of three pilot Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) programs for LGBTIQA+ parents facilitated by Tresillian Family Care Centre staff and funded by Central and Eastern Sydney Public Health Network (CESPHN). CESPHN identified a gap in service provision for this population. While it is now recognised that children from LGBTIQA+ families are no more at risk of insecure attachment than those with heterosexual parents, discrimination amongst this group remains an issue. LGBTIQA+ individuals are more likely to require and seek mental health services than the general population, but are less likely to be satisfied with the service they receive.1 Common barriers to help-seeking include discrimination and lack of LGBTIQA+ sensitive services. Our aim was to reduce barriers and improve satisfaction by offering a specific group for LGBTIQA+ parents. In our preparation and design of this pilot, the creation of a safe space or ‘secure base’ for exploration of the unique experiences of LGBTIQA+ families in the context of improving parent-child attachment was a priority. This presentation will explore the ways we worked to co-create and collaborate with participants in the cultivation of an environment of safety, containment and respect: essential prerequisites for learning for all parents. Some staff facilitating these groups identify as members of the LGBTIQA+ community which we saw as integral in ensuring an understanding of how to tailor the group for the community. Through our evaluations, we will discuss whether these goals were achieved for participants. Preliminary findings indicate participants valued facilitators identifying as LGBTIQA+, and meeting with other LGBTIQA+ parents. Going forward, we aim to involve parents in future course development.
1. Knight KW, Stephenson SE, West S, et al. The kids are OK: it is discrimination not same-sex parents that harms children. Med J Aust. 2017;207(9):374-375.