New CNY Attachment Network to aid efforts of Circle of Security Parenting

Prevention Support Partners of Oswego County, whose director is SUNY Oswego psychology chair Dr. Matthew Dykas, recently announced a new network to help local agencies communicate and collaborate to promote positive child and family development.

Central New York Attachment Network, whose website is www.cnyattachmentnetwork.org, was created this spring by directors and representatives from several stakeholder agencies that aim to promote positive child and family development throughout Oswego County and neighboring communities.

The network will aid communication among different agencies offering the Circle of Security Parenting program, and aims to foster more precise collaboration, greater referrals, more frequent meetings and various other network activities.

The website also will host the master calendar for all Circle of Security Parenting groups in and around Oswego County. During the past few months, the network has grown significantly through Prevention Support Partners’ scholarship program, under a grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, with more than 20 local professionals trained and certified Circle of Security Parenting facilitators.

The internationally recognized Circle of Security program puts almost 75 years of attachment theory into direct practice, providing parents with practical tools to recognize their children's needs and to respond with understanding, reassurance and affection. It also provides ongoing support in a strength-building, non-judgmental manner.

Prevention Support Partners assists Oswego County in meeting its goals for promoting community health. By using both scientific- and strength-based approaches to health promotion, it aims to identify and implement evidence-based prevention programs that contribute to positive outcomes in children, adults and families. The office, located at SUNY Oswego, is staffed by college faculty and students. Jessica Westberry serves as co-director assisting Dykas.