I am a Juvenile Probation Officer in a rural community with few resources. I've been reading up on animal assisted therapy programs, and want to implement one in my office. However, I can't find anything that is close to what I'm able to do to base it off of. Any ideas about coming up with a new program would be greatly appreciated. The only programs I know about involve detained youth, and the kids I work with are all in the community still. The goal is to keep them there and prevent them from requiring placement elsewhere. Any ideas will help a ton, thanks in advance! :)
2007-05-01 07:30:24 · 4 answers · asked by beshi33 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I have a dog who would qualify as a therapy dog if I can get the funding for the travel and training. But I need to lay out the program before I can make the proposal for funding.
2007-05-01 07:52:51 · update #1
Sounds like a great idea.
My recommendation is to network with the folks at Delta Society. Their website (www.deltasociety.org) provides all sorts of information on how to get started.
You will need to get your dog certified as a therapy dog and get liability insurance.
You mention that you work in a rural area; are you near any large cities? If so, you might think about contacting some veterinarians and/or humane society to see if they have any contacts for you.
We had an animal therapist visit us regularly in the program I ran for adults with severe mental illness, and it was GREAT! I wish you the best of luck with your project!
2007-05-02 23:04:15 · answer #1 · answered by TRfella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you contacted other Animal Assisted Therapy Programs? Maybe one of those can direct you to a program such as yours. Also, you might be a pioneer. If you can, talk to the other programs and get as much information and advice as you can. Also, try to contact programs that work with children with medical needs. There is one in Galveston, TX that works with children. I think it does more with Equine Therapy and helping kids with brain injuries to walk again. Contact as many programs that you can find. Get as much information as you can. Here is the link to the place in Galveston.
http://www.moodygardens.com/hope-therapy.html
2007-05-01 07:37:22 · answer #2 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good idea would be to take them to a local animal shelter. They have 'troubled dogs' that your 'troubledmakers' can help rehabiliate as they help themselves. Dog pounds and other clinics or adoption agencies are normally open to the idea, it means free workers for them, and someone to pick up after the dogs! lol
2007-05-01 07:35:42 · answer #3 · answered by peace.ofmind 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The animals are there to convenience them, they are quiet. The animals used are extra laid back than different dogs. you comprehend each from time to time once you merely opt to relax and puppy your dogs? Having that unconditional love? it really is what they are for. they help the sufferers through bringing exhilaration and a grin on there face. dogs merely have that outcome over human beings.
2016-12-05 04:24:46 · answer #4 · answered by kasahara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋