Courthouse Facility Dogs: Steadfast Friends in Times of Need 2018 VOCA National Training Conference Savannah, GA August 8, 2018
Seattle
King County Courthouse
Salvador Aleman Cruz serial child rapist
Rape victim's threat to jump off courthouse roof may derail case November 4, 2010 By Jennifer Sullivan Seattle Times staff reporter A 21-year-old child-rape victim who was set to confront her alleged attacker in a Seattle courtroom Thursday afternoon, made her way onto the roof of the King County Courthouse and spent about three hours threatening to jump before she was led to safety.
Inmate was at hospital hours before jumping from Seattle courthouse window November 30, 2010 By Mike Carter and Jennifer Sullivan Seattle Times staff reporters A 29-year-old Auburn man who jumped to his death from the 11th floor of the King County Courthouse Tuesday morning had been at Harborview Medical Center the night before because of deepening depression, according to his family.
We feel safe when we are with a relaxed dog.
Petting a dog reduces our stress level.
What is a Courthouse Dog Program?
Courthouse Dog Program Dog is a graduate from an accredited assistance dog school. Handler is a professional in the legal system. Dog is utilized in a way that does not disrupt legal processes.
www.assistancedogsinternational.org
Facility dog
Not a service dog
Not a therapy dog
Genetics
Preparation Begins at Birth
Puppy Socialization and Training
Professional Training and Evaluation of Young Adult Dog
Handler Training and Certification
Dennis Dunn Director Victim Services Honolulu, HI Keith Kaneshiro Prosecutor Pono Bred and trained by Assistance Dogs of Hawaii
Courthouse Facility Dogs at Child Advocacy Centers
Establishing rapport
Facility dogs in forensic interviews
The results of this study support the stress reducing effects of a service-trained facility dog for children undergoing forensic interviews for allegations of child sexual abuse.
Dogs usually appeal to children of all ages
Jeeter knows what to do.
Medical exam room
Therapy
Play Therapy
Facility dogs assisting in the prosecution of crimes
The Need for Trauma Sensitive Courts The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) research links childhood abuse and neglect with adult onset of chronic disease, mental illness, violence and being a victim of violence. CDC and DOJ
Seven-year-old testifying against his mother
Child Witness in the Courtroom Policy Statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics February 2017
studies have clearly established that children experience anxiety surrounding court appearances and that the main fear is facing the defendant. Other fears include being hurt by the defendant, embarrassment about crying or not being able to answer questions, and going to jail. The more frightened a child is, the less he or she is able to answer questions.
Domestic Violence Chad s Story
Types of witness support
Child and facility dog in witness box
Alleged Con Artist Alesha Lair Charged With Stealing From a Disabled Man By Vernal Coleman Fri., Apr 9 2010 at 12:00AM Alesha Lair seems like she might be the impatient type. Because anyone who allegedly cons a developmentally disabled man out of his life savings is angling for a spot on the express lane to hell. (Seattle Weekly)
Douglas Lare with Ellie
Appellate Court Decisions Washington California 2 New York Connecticut Ohio 2 Michigan - 2 Tennessee Texas Arizona
Eight states have laws limiting this practice to facility dogs. Arizona Arkansas Hawaii Idaho Illinois Louisiana Mississippi Virginia
Courthouse Dogs Foundation www.courthousedogs.org
Training for legal professionals Workshops and technical assistance
Provide materials and technical assistance
Free download from www.courthousedogs.org
Annual Conference
Facility dog teams in Las Vegas
Courthouse Facility Dogs in a Prosecutor s Office Chelsey Moore Assistant Solicitor 10 th Circuit Solicitor s Office Anderson, South Carolina
Why get a Facility Dog? Roma s going to be giving people strength and courage to help testify. She ll give victims the comfort and security they need to face their abusers. Chrissy T. Adams First dog becomes regular fixture in South Carolina Courts (http://www.thestate.com/living/pets/article48501375.html
Roma Around Town
Roma at the CAC
Roma in the Courthouse
Roma in Trial
Friends for Life!
Tamara Martin Forensic Interviewer Child Protect CAC Montgomery, AL
What A Difference
Trisha Mellberg, JD Sex Offender Resource Prosecutor Alabama Office of Prosecution Services
www.courthousedogs.org Courthouse Dogs Foundation