CANEI can be implemented in a variety of settings including a youth's own home, therapeutic foster care or as group therapy in residential or institutional settings. No matter what the setting, CANEI emphasizes three core components to effect change and faciliate growth toward optimal living in one's community.

Restorative Justice: a recovery model which recognizes that multiple lives are impacted by a single incident of aggressive or violent behavior and that both the victim and the perpetrator's lives are forever changed. According to this model, justice is not served until:

1) the victim is made whole
2) the perpetrator is integrated into society as a contributing member
3) the community is healed.

Youths will be assigned an advocate-a mature man or woman-who will assist them in their abilities to build relationships with adults.  Also, the youths will learn that they are part of their community
and they can help to promote a civil society that is beneficent
for every member of the community. 

Spirituality: a structured exploration of one's values,
attitudes and place in the world. “Ahimsa” the Sanskrit
word for truth and nonviolence, is the underpinning of
CANEI's spiritual component. Using a variety of mediums,
CANEI nurtures personal growth by helping young people
develop confl ict resolution skills and effective decision
making philosophies. Youth are taught how
to accept responsibility for their choices and actions.
Spirituality is never confused with religion. Meditation,
yoga, the arts, tai chi, African drumming and other such
activities are critical to this program component.
Nonviolence: a reduction of violence. Youths and
families learn the methods and theories of violence
reduction in their lives at crucial moments and learn
the use of conflict resolution as a means of resolving
issues.

Literacy: The essential skills of reading, writing, and
arithmetic are emphasized as the building blocks of one's
ability to successfully participate in the workforce. Learning
and educational goals are individualized. Attention is paid
to the development of practical daily living skills while
simultaneously planting seeds of hope and possibility
through vocational training and higher education. All youth
involved in CANEI also participate in a Rites of Passage
program that prepares them cognitively and spiritually
for the journey from adolescence to young adulthood.