1 Welcome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDGtRJ6HJDs&sns=em
2 Paws for Peace – The Use of Therapy Dogs in RJFCRJ Patty LaTaille Executive Director July 2017 Handlers and Therapy Dogs: Terry Bolte and Dolores Ruth and Greg Philips with Abby
3 WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE (RJ)?"Restorative Practices” include positive non-punitive approaches to repairing the harm caused by criminal offenses which affect victims and the community. These practices include Victim-Offender conferences (RJ Circles), school truancy & discipline-related conferences with a victim-centered approach to community justice and conflict resolution.
4 FCRJ Mission Statement(Organizational Purpose): “To work to implement restorative practices in the Schools and Justice System by promoting a peaceful Community Justice approach to Conflict Resolution, while helping repair the harm caused by criminal behaviors through a Restorative Justice process which holds offenders accountable, and empowers and heals victims and communities."
5 Victim - Centered ApproachA Paradigm Shift: Victim - Centered Approach System of Justice asks: 1. What laws have been broken? 2. Who did it? 3. What do they deserve? Restorative Justice asks: 1. Who has been hurt? 2. What are their needs? 3. Whose obligations are these?
6 FCRJ Overview Established in 2006; local independent 501(c)3 status in 2009 Supports 11th Judicial District; mainly Chaffee and Park counties Board of 11 Directors includes County Commissioner & Youth Voices Trained “Powerhouse of Volunteers” providing V-O Conference facilitation, assist in School-based conflict resolution trainings Programs: Victim/Offender Conferences Non-Violent Communication (NVC) - Compassionate Communication Training Peer Mediation - School Based Conflict Resolution Certified Therapy Dog presence & support 95% of FCRJ Offenders are juveniles and include cases of: Burglary Vandalism Theft Bullying Assault
7
8 FCRJ V-O Conferences Full Circle Community ConferencesPre-Conferences with Victim(s) and Offenders(s) Restorative Circle conducted with trained Facilitator, Co-Facilitator, Victim(s), Offender(s) Community Member(s), Therapy Dog & Handler. Contract/Agreement reached within Circle; mandatory monthly Accountability Circles to ensure Offenders complete contract satisfactory to Victims’ request. Once completed, cases are closed with documentation sent to referral source.
9 “How did you think of having dogs in RJ?”
10 What is a Therapy Dog? Love on a Leashhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQtrKFWk7KQ&sns=em
11 Introduced in the Welcome Letter:“FCRJ will be teaming up with a Pet Therapy dog and trainer to assist in providing a safe and comforting environment for all participants in the Restorative Circle. Please alert the Program Director in advance if you have concerns or allergies to dogs.”
12 Therapy Dog RequirementsThe dog must be well trained and easily controlled The dog must look to their handler for direction. The dog and handler must be able to interact well with everyone they encounter including other dogs. The dog must be comfortable being petted by strangers. Small dogs must be able to be held and picked up. The dogs must be well groomed at all times. The dog must show no signs of aggression i.e. growling, snarling, or showing of teeth.
13 RJ Dogs Promote Peace Nationwidehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvHHIpFm7Fw&feature=em-share_video_usere
14 The Human - Animal Bond Inter-collaboration of Species:How Dogs Help People Get Along Better By Jill Suttie | March 6, 2017 | 8 Comments A new study by Central Michigan University suggests that when dogs are around, groups are closer, more cooperative, and more trusting. Inter-collaboration of Species: “…results suggest that there is something about the presence of a dog that increases kind and helpful behavior in groups. When people work in teams, the presence of a dog seems to act as a social lubricant,” says lead author Steve Colarelli. “Dogs seem to be beneficial to the social interactions of teams.”
15 Scientific Proof The Science behind Human-Canine Mutual Appreciation"We have pretty good evidence that dogs actually love their humans,” according to Dr. Paul Zak, who conducted the study. "A couple of small-scale studies have shown that when owners interact with their dogs, the human and their dog appear to release oxytocin. By Helena Horton 1 FEBRUARY 2016 The Telegraph Effect of the Human-Animal bond in RJ: Benefits Facilitators & all Participants Eases initial unease, anxiety & tension Enhances communication and connection Promotes a positive influence on social/RJ interactions
16 Benefits of Therapy DogsPhysical Releases calming endorphins Lowers blood pressure Increases cardiovascular health Mental Lowers anxiety Provides comfort Lifts spirits and lessens depression Encourages communication Increases socialization Decreases feelings of alienation and isolation Illustrative of the Human-Animal Bond
17 Therapy Dogs in the Courthousehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPVdie1-Jdc
18 FCRJ has Gone to the Dogs … FeedbackQuestion: “What did you like about the Restorative Justice process?” Victim Answer: “Abby the Therapy Dog.” Question: “What would you have done differently” Offender Answer: “Well, you already brought the dog so all was great.” Additional Comments Offender: “Good dog.” Community Member: “Nice to have Ruth and Abby, the therapy dog.” Victim: “Dogs are really important. If the dog hadn’t been there, it wouldn’t have worked as well.”
19
20 Abby, Dolores and FCRJ Staff and Volunteers appreciate your attention Good Audience!
21 Happy Tails!