The Department of Communities and Justice’s (DCJ) Canine Court Companion Program (CCCP) is back in action following a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the therapy dogs had returned to courthouses in Manly, Campbelltown, Burwood, Sutherland, Gosford, Goulburn, Nowra, Lismore, Orange and Wagga Wagga.
“It took some dogged determination, but we are so glad these loveable Labradors are back on the beat,” Mr Speakman said.
“The therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers play an important role by easing the stress of attending court for children, vulnerable witnesses and victims of domestic violence,” he said.
Mr Speakman said the CCCP was a partnership initiative led by Victims Services and Court Services, and each therapy dog received up to two years of intensive training with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
MP for Manly, James Griffin said a trial of therapy dogs at Manly Courthouse in 2017 had kick-started the rollout across the State.
“This lab-tested therapy is a win for victims, witnesses and other court users so I’m thrilled to see the program return to Manly Courthouse this week,” Mr Griffin said.
“There is also growing evidence to support the use of therapy dogs to alleviate symptoms associated with trauma, including stress and anxiety,” he said.
Mr Griffin said studies showed that animal-assisted intervention provided additional benefits such as lowered heart rate, increased speech and memory functions, as well as heightened mental clarity.
