Spectrum Arch, Inc."Circle of Support" sounds like jargon, but the idea is old and simple: nobody should plan their life alone. In OPWDD Self-Direction it's also a formal part of the process. The Circle helps shape the self-direction plan and budget, and meets to review how things are going.
A good Circle makes Self-Direction easier. A Circle that exists only on paper makes it harder.
Who belongs in it
Start with the person. It's their Circle, and they should have as much say in who's in it as they can.
After that, think about people who know them well and will show up:
- Parents, siblings, or other close relatives
- A friend, neighbor, or former teacher the person trusts
- A staff member who knows them well
- The Support Broker, who usually helps organize it
Four or five committed people are better than ten occasional ones. And it helps to include at least one person who is younger than the parents. A Circle is also part of planning for the future.
The first meeting
Keep it relaxed. Somewhere the person is comfortable, not too long, with food if that helps. A simple agenda:
- What's going well right now? Start with strengths and the things the person enjoys.
- What does a good week look like? Work, activities, rest, people.
- What gets in the way? Transportation, staffing, sensory needs, anxiety.
- What would the person like to try? A class, a job, more independence at home.
- Who will do what before next time?
Write the answers down in the person's own words where you can. That record becomes the foundation of the plan and budget.
Keeping it alive
Meet regularly, not just when a form is due. Rotate who hosts. Share short updates between meetings. And let the Circle change over time, since people move and friendships shift. The goal is a group that knows the person well enough to help when it matters.
Sources: OPWDD, Self-Direction; OPWDD, Self-Direction Support Broker Checklist.