A Unique Canine Comfort Therapy Program for Child Maltreatment Cases

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Criminology

Background:

• Child maltreatment cases present significant challenges for children and families.
• Existing comfort canine programs typically operate within single disciplines.
• A need exists for integrated support systems in pediatric maltreatment cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a unique, collaborative canine comfort therapy program for children experiencing maltreatment.
• To enhance support by integrating canine therapy across law enforcement and healthcare settings.
• To foster trust and familiarity throughout the child maltreatment case process.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a collaborative canine comfort therapy program involving a police department and a children's hospital.
• Deployment of a specialized K-9 comfort therapy dog (CALI) across two disciplines.
• Providing longitudinal support to children and families throughout case components.

Main Results:

• CALI became the first K-9 comfort therapy dog in a Rhode Island police department and a children's hospital.
• The program facilitated a unique interdisciplinary approach to supporting pediatric maltreatment victims.
• The initiative aimed to build rapport and reduce distress during sensitive legal and medical procedures.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative canine comfort therapy programs can offer unique, integrated support for child maltreatment victims.
• This interdisciplinary model enhances familiarity and trust for children navigating complex cases.
• The CALI program serves as a pioneering example of integrating canine therapy in law enforcement and healthcare.