Circle of Courage

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Circle of Courage

• Based on Reclaiming Youth At Risk, by Larry K.
  Brendtro-Martin Brokenleg-Steve Van Bockern
• Premise Youth act out due to unmet needs in four
  areas
• Belonging
• Mastery
• Independence
• Generosity

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Circle of Courage

• Belonging-Within the value of belonging, youth
  learn to become a respectful part of a group
• Belonging is demonstrated by being
• Friendly-caring-cooperative-trusting-respectful-ha
  ving healthy relationships

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Circle of Courage

• Mastery-Within the value of mastery, youth learn
  how to achieve their goals
• Mastery is demonstrated by being
• Creative-persistent-competent-self-motivated-a
  problem solver-accepting of challenges

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Circle of Courage

• Independence-Within the value of independence,
  youth learn how to demonstrate personal
  responsibility
• Independence is demonstrated by being
• Assertive-confident-showing leadership-using
  empowerment-demonstrating self-control-a problem
  solver-demonstrating self-discipline

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Circle of Courage

• Generosity-Within the value of generosity, youth
  learn how to contribute positively to others
• Generosity is demonstrated by being
• Caring-sharing with others-supportive
  helpful-compassionate-showing social concerns

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Circle of Courage

• IJH has adopted this program model as the core
  values of our program
• Using the format and system provided by PBS
  program efforts, we have been able to
  operationalize the behaviors expected in all of
  our major routines for cottage and school around
  the four core values of the Circle of Courage
• These expectations are taught on a routine basis
  throughout campus

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Circle of Courage Behavioral Expectation Matrix  
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Circle of Courage

• Once behavioral expectations are taught, regular
  reinforcement is provided to youth who
  demonstrate the desired behaviors
• Reinforcement is provided through the use of
  courage slips as positive acknowledgement of
  the demonstrated behavior or value

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Circle of Courage

• Reinforcement
• Attempt to provide 4/1 or 5/1 positives to
  negatives in working with youth
• Courage slips are used ONLY as positive
  reinforcement-slips would not be given as a note
  of the absence of something, or as a notation of
  not demonstrating expected behavior

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Circle of Courage

• Activities that celebrate achievement and support
  recognition of desired behaviors are held
  throughout campus
• These include monthly awards assembly, positive
  week rewards activities, special outings, a COC
  store where youth may purchase items

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Circle of Courage

• Circle of Courage programs should embody a
  welcoming environment where dignity, respect, and
  kindness are the values we live by and
  demonstrate to others, both youth and staff,
  throughout all levels of the organization
• By establishing environments within our milieus
  that support these values, and provide a culture
  of support, this goal will be achieved