Girls Circle

The Girls Circle® model, a structured support group for girls and youth who identify with female development from 9-18 years, integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training in a specific format designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths, and competence.

Last Reviewed: 2024

Intended Outcomes:

This program aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede the growth and development of girls and young women by promoting an emotionally safe setting and structure within which they can develop caring relationships and use authentic voices.

Continuum of Care:
Universal Prevention

Topic Areas:
Anxiety, Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Physical Health, Substance Use

Ages:
Childhood (4-12), Teen/Adolescent (13-18)

Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban

Delivery Settings:
Community-Based, Congregate Care Facility, School-Based

Cultural Considerations:
A balanced amount of the research involved diverse populations

Audience:
This program is for girls and youth who identify with female development who are 9 to 18 years old.

Credentials:
There are no minimum requirements to facilitate this program.

Manuals:
Yes

Is Training Required?
No

Who can provide the required training?
Please visit the following site to learn more about the training: https://onecirclefoundation.org/training/

Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website

Program/Practice Website:
https://onecirclefoundation.org/girls-circle

Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:

Geis, S. V., Cohen, M. I., Edberg, M., Bobnis, A., Spinney, E., & Berger, E. (2015). The Girls Circle: An evaluation of a structured support group program for girls [Final Report]. Development Services Group, Inc. https://onecirclefoundation. org/media/pdfs/Research-GC-DSG-2015. pdf.
Roa, J., Irvine, A., & Cervantez, K. (2007). Girls circle national research project: evaluation results year one. Proc Persistently Safe Schools, 29, 211.
Steese, S., Dollette, M., Phillips, W., Hossfeld, E., Matthews, G., & Taormina, G. (2006). Understanding Girls’ Circle as an intervention on perceived social support, body image, self-efficacy, locus of control, and self-esteem. Adolescence, 41(161), 55-74.
Unable to be Rated

WV Rating:
Unable to Be Rated
»WV Ratings Info

Rationale for Rating:

Only three studies were found, one was an RCT. The most recent study was conducted in 2015 and results were mixed. The program showed some positive outcomes but also challenges in relation to attendance.

Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified

Other Registries/Ratings

The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Not On Registry

Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Unclear +

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Not On Registry

Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Not On Registry