Cultivating compassion in the criminal justice system
We help provide emotional support to victims and witnesses using specially trained dogs, known as facility dogs.
A new way to support victims and witnesses.
7+
countries across the world have used facility dogs.
Facility dog programmes have been adopted in the criminal justice systems of several countries across the world: the US, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Italy, and Japan, and more countries are looking to adopt them.
What are facility dogs?
Facility dogs are specially trained dogs that work for an organisation to carry out a specific purpose, although they will generally live with one handler. They are normally trained to assistance dogs standards, and will then have additional specialist training to help them carry out specific tasks for their specialist roles.
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How are they used?
Facility dogs are currently used in multiple locations, including schools, healthcare settings, police stations and courts. In schools, they might be used to help children engage with activities. In healthcare settings, they have been used to support patients in elderly care. In the criminal justice system, they are used to help people provide evidence.
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How can I get involved?
If you work in police stations and courts and would like to know more about this project, please get in contact with us – we are keen to hear how we can shape this project to work in the UK specifically. If you are a member of the public, we are looking at introducing volunteering roles in the near future – watch this space!
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Extending a paw to people in need
Placing the wellbeing and experience of victims and witnesses is a top priority for the UK criminal justice system. Facility dogs can help to convey compassion through their natural ability to exude empathy, empowering victims and witnesses to provide evidence.
Find out more about this important project
We are looking at rolling out a pilot project with the view of creating a model that could be adopted across the UK. If you would like to get involved or would like to learn more about this project, please use the links below.