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The Circle of Courage
Philosophy
First described in the book Reclaimng Youth
at Risk by Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve
Van Bockern, the Circle of Courage is a model of care that creates
a "reclaiming environment."
The model integrates Aboriginal philosophies of child-rearing,
the heritage of early pioneers in education and youth work, and
contemporary resilience research. The central theme of this model
is that a set of shared values must exist in any community to
create environments that ultimately benefit all. Although initially
developed as a model of positive youth empowerment, the creators
realized that it had implications
for all individuals in care.
Catholic Social Services discovered the
"Circle of Courage" when researching ways in which the Agency could
improve its Aboriginal Resources programs. After consultation with
Dr. Martin Brokenleg regarding the philosophy of the "Circle of
Courage" and its potential to transform our Agency into a
reclaiming environment for both clients and staff, this model was
adopted.
The Circle of Courage is based on four universal growth needs of
all individuals:
- Belonging speaks to the need to be part
of a group; to be accepted.
- Mastery encompasses the desire to expand
capabilities and capacities, feeling pride in that
accomplishment.
- Independence is about the individual
learning true discipline and personal responsibility while
developing the strength to become interdependent.
- Generosity is the ultimate result -
strong people have the capacity for altruistic behaviour.