Local CoSA sites operate autonomously, some under the umbrella of larger sponsoring organizations such as Mennonite Central Committee in Ontario or Calgary, the Salvation Army, Community Chaplaincy; others as stand-alone non-profits or registered charities, all governed by a volunteer steering committee and/or board of directors and independently funded.

Although CoSA sites operate independently, they all share common values and principles of no more victims, and the fundamental dignity of all human beings – no one is disposable. All CoSA sites in Canada also endorse a number of commonalities that guide standards of practice including:

1. Life Cycle of a Circle
2. Support, Accountability and Confidentiality
3. Safety and Risk Recognition
4. Volunteer Training
5. Documentation
6. Process of a Circle Meeting