EBSCO- Pups in prison

Case Study: Service Dogs in Correctional Facilities

Introduction

  • In March 2020, an 11-year-old boy with Type 1 diabetes received a service dog named Vizr.

  • Vizr is trained to alert for low or rapidly dropping blood sugar levels, successfully assisting the boy's family in monitoring his condition.

About Vizr

  • Vizr is a 1-year-old Labrador retriever from CARES Inc., specifically trained to assist diabetic patients.

  • Prior to specialized training, Vizr underwent basic obedience training through the Canine Care and Training Program at the Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility (MWJRCF).

Development of the Canine Program

  • MWJRCF's canine training program was inspired by a similar initiative at Minnesota Correctional Facility.

  • Programs are designed to be self-sustaining and minimally disruptive to daily operations, aiding community assistance while reducing recidivism among inmates.

  • Statistics show that 70-86% of inmates involved in dog programs do not return to prison.

  • The dogs help reduce conflicts between inmates and staff, fostering positive relationships.

Program Planning

  • The planning of MWJRCF's Canine Care and Training Program was divided into two stages: development and implementation.

Stage I: Development

  1. Considerations: Space and funding were critical considerations.

  2. Courses of Action (COAs):

    • COA 1: Foster-to-rescue model with a local shelter.

    • COA 2: Foster-to-adopt with a nonprofit organization created by MWJRCF.

    • COA 3: Training of service/therapy dogs using contacts from Canine Companions for Independence, ultimately chosen for implementation.

Implementation Challenges

  • Initial pushback arose from both staff and inmates but was mitigated as the program demonstrated value.

  • Inmates reported improved communication and nurturing skills, impacting their personal lives positively.

Impact of the Program

  • Both qualitative and quantitative improvements were recorded, with inmates gaining skills and certifications.

  • The program provides apprenticeships in animal handling, leading to employment opportunities for participants after release.

  • MWJRCF remains committed to the ongoing training and care of service dogs, with successful outcomes evident from the program's inception.

Partnerships and Acknowledgements

  • The partnership with CARES Inc. has been instrumental in the success of MWJRCF’s program.

  • The program illustrates the potential for rehabilitation through animal-assisted initiatives in correctional facilities.