A press release from McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally:
McHenry County State’s Attorney Offering Therapy Dogs to Victims and Witnesses
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Masonic Association of Service and Therapy Dogs (M.A.S.T) to provide therapy dogs as needed to victims and witnesses that are facing the stressful ordeal of testifying in court.
“Testifying or having to answer questions from lawyers regarding frightening, humiliating, or intensely private circumstances of a crime is asking a lot of a victim or witness, especially if we are talking about children,” said Kenneally.
Therapy dog with State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally.
“I have personally seen how disarming and soothing a therapy dog can be, offering companionship and comfort without judgment.”
It has been well-documented that therapy animals decrease feelings of isolation, reduce distress and boredom, and help lower blood pressure. Stroking an animal also promotes the release of hormones like serotonin and oxytocin to help elevate mood. Generally, when you are able to reduce stress and anxiety, it is much easier for people to communicate and tell their story.
The State’s Attorney’s Office is indebted to M.A.S.T who is providing these therapy dogs free of charge.
M.A.S.T. provides charitable and supportive services to comfort crime victims and witnesses; current and former members of the armed forces; and those in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas.
M.A.S.T. procures and trains shelter dogs as service dogs with the cooperation of Tops Training Center in Grayslake, Illinois.
This is a more recent courthouse innovation.
+++++++++++
American Psychology Law Society
July 2016
Expert Opinion
Utilizing Courthouse Dogs and Comfort Items to Assist Vulnerable Witnesses During Trial
by Dawn E McQuiston, PhD; Kayla Burd, MA, MS; and Colin Hayton, BS
http://www.apadivisions.org/division-41/publications/newsletters/news/2016/07/courthouse-dogs.aspx
Will they be getting lollipops, too?
How about enforcing deportation orders? That would put a dent in local crime.
More Liberal foolishness – can I get a grape lollypop, please ?
Lord, I can’t wait to escape from the Liberal loony bin of a state before
the LIBEROCRATS finish destroying it.
For a kid or anyone that has gone through trauma one can imagine the benefits.
There is a reason so many people have pets.
It was here but now it’s gone, round two attempt.
Seems like a nice program, BUT it’s increasing services.
Increased services always increase property taxes.
I thought we were cutting costs in that department?
Guess not so much!!!!!
The article clearly states there is no cost for the service and thus no apparent cost to the taxpayer.
“The State’s Attorney’s office is indebted to the M.A.S.T who is providing these therapy dogs free of charge.”
I think I’m going to get my dog declared an emotional support animal so I can bring him in the next time the Court calls me for jury duty.
The therapy dogs are for victims not jurists, and they are provided by an organization that specializes in the service.
My comment was mostly tongue in cheek…….Perhaps you haven’t noticed the trend of people getting their dogs certified as therapy dogs or or emotional support animals so that they can take them pretty much everywhere.
Perhaps I have and the article didn’t pertain to providing service dogs for jurists.
I am not a pet lover in any shape or form but the benefits to the aged, sick and vets with PTSD from therapy dogs is undeniable.
When a gov agency touches anything there is a cost to the tax payers.
Always: FACT!
Feel free to describe the alleged increased cost to taxpayers of MAST providing therapy dogs free of charge to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s office.
http://www.americanbar.org/content/newsletter/publications/gp_solo_magazine_home/gp_solo_magazine_index/caninesincourtroom.html
It’s a good thing.
Relative to: “When a gov agency touches anything there is a cost to the tax payers.
Always: FACT!”
The cost of a service dog is negligible when compared to what we, the taxpayers are paying for public sector pensions and Prevailing Wages or needless ‘bike paths’ or Conservation District Police or a County Board Chairman or State Legislators who cannot govern!
Agreed Con voter, but there will be a cost to us no matter how you want to Waltz it.
Penny here, nickle there, then it’s dimes, then dollars.