facility, therapy and courthouse dogs

Today the use of skilled dogs for therapeutic intervention has expanded to encompass far more than just “petting” therapy.  Dogs are useful support modalities that are used with people of all ages and all varieties of developmental, physical, cognitive and emotional challenges and abilities.  Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) teams provide direct therapeutic interventions that can enhance motivation, movement, play, socialization, cognition, communication as well as facilitate independence on the form of assistive technology.

In becoming acquainted with the unique contributions possible from service dogs, therapists of all professions can also assist clients in determining whether a personal service dog would be beneficial.

Facility dogs play another unique role in animal assisted interventions.  Facility dogs have been placed in a variety of settings such as schools, courthouses, health care agencies and detention facilities.  An individual, trained handler from each facility is matched with an appropriate dog and is responsible for the dog’s boarding, health and safety, as well as for encouraging and directing the desired relationships for the specific facility.

Courthouse dogs specifically work with crime victims, predominantly children, in helping to foster a safe and more comfortable environment for depositions and in court testimonies.  These dog placements follow the same procedures as all ADW  client placements.  An application process is completed, the facility handler interviews with ADW dogs and staff for the most appropriate match, and attends the 2 week Client Placement Training course.

A COMPLETE APPLICATION PROCESS WILL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. 1. Completed Facility Team Application Form
   2. Completed Facility Information Form
   3. A letter of agreement from the Head of your agency/facility
   4. A letter of personal reference from a friend, co-worker, or someone other than a family member
   5. A picture of you, your family/living environment, the facility and a short autobiography
   6. Completed Financial Information
   6. Appointments with ADW staff for facility, personal and home interviews
   7. An appointment for a facility functional needs evaluation with occupational therapist, Melissa Winkle. (Depending on the location of your facility, this evaluation may take place over the phone.)

Please contact the ADW office if you are interested in receiving a Facility Dog Application.