The Circle of Courage, is a model of youth empowerment supported by contemporary research, the heritage of early youth work pioneers and Native philosophies of child care. The model is encompassed in four core values: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. 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.

Reclaiming Youth International (RYI) became a 501 (c) 3 organization in 1997. The work of RYI is dedicated to the development and dissemination of proactive policy, training, research, programs and strategies to better serve children and youth who are in conflict in family, school and community. RYI provides strength-based training designed to cultivate the potential of all. The organization provides resources to various stakeholders in order to shift thinking from neglect, lack of knowledge, and disrespect for challenging youth and families to support, understanding and respect. RYI draws on the strengths of youth professionals, family advocates, community policy leaders, researchers, and young people themselves in the search for positive, practical solutions. The organization is connected and collaborates both nationally and internationally with other organizations with like-minded goals.