Animal Programs In Prison

The book looks at prison-based animal programs, an innovative approach to rehabilitation that draws on the benefits of human-animal interactions. Analyzing a national survey of these programs and presenting in-depth case studies, it discusses the mechanisms that transform prisoners' lives and reduce the chances of recidivism. It proposes a correctional programming idea that promises to benefit inmates, animals, and communities.

This edited volume brings together a diverse group of contributors to create a review of research and an agenda for the future of dog care and training in correctional facilities. Bolstered by research that documents the potential benefits of HAI, many correctional facilities have implemented prison dog programs that involve inmates in the care and training of canines, not only as family dogs but also as service dogs for people with psychological and/or physical disabilities. Providing an evidence-based treatment of the topic, this book also draws upon the vast practical experience of individuals who have successfully begun, maintained, improved, and evaluated various types of dog programs with inmates; it includes first-person perspectives from all of the stakeholders in a prison dog program—the corrections staff, the recipients of the dogs, the inmate/trainers, and the community volunteers and sponsors Human-animal interaction (HAI) is a burgeoning field of research that spans different disciplines: corrections, psychology, education, social work, animal welfare, and veterinary medicine, to name a few. Written for an array of professionals interested in prison dog programs, the book will hold special interest for researchers in criminal justice and corrections, forensic psychology, and to those with a commitment to promoting the ideals of rehabilitation, desistance thinking, restorative justice, and re-entry tools for inmates.

Essay from the year 2008 in the subject Sociology - Law and Delinquency, grade: A+, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, course: Criminology 1208, language: English, abstract: Modern society has always been fascinated with criminal activity, it floods our newspapers, serves as a plot for shows, movies, games, and is even used by political parties to push social policies. However, once the perpetrators of crime are placed in prison, it is as if society turns a blind eye. In an ironic twist of fate, incarcerated offenders are often met with an environment which further propagates future deviant behaviour (Steiner & Wooldredge, 2008). While many believe that prison is intended to serve as a form of punishment, it is often overlooked that many offenders will eventually be re-introduced into society. So while prison does not have to serve as a proverbial “bed and breakfast,” proper rehabilitative measures need to be taken in an attempt to mitigate the implications of aggressive temperaments and poor behavioural controls – which are often linked with crime (Sprinkle, 2008). This paper will examine one questionable form of prison rehabilitation program, the use of animals as a tool in workshops to encourage pro-social behaviour and whether this program will lessen the rate of inmate on inmate victimization within the prison setting. Victimization for this study is intended to include: both sexual and physical assault, robbery, threats, extortion, and theft.

. . . a collection of wonderful and encouraging stories about 'Animal Assisted Therapy.' - Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of DogsThis inspiring, humorous, and touching book celebrates the beneficial effects that animals have on humans and describes how their healing potential is being increasingly acknowledged by the medical community. Animal Assisted Therapy, an important new development in health care, has already shown that people are statistically less likely to suffer an early heart attack if they have a pet, and that stroking an animal actually reduces stress levels.This, however, is only the tip of the iceberg, says environmental psychologist Bernie Graham. Animal Assisted Therapy is now achieving amazing results in treating children with physical and mental disabilities by using trained dolphins in acquatic therapy. There are also programs that teach dogs to help the disabled by taking laundry out of the washing machine; selecting, unpacking, and paying for items in the supermarket; and even withdrawing money from the bank. Cats, rabbits, and dogs are now taken into hospitals to comfort the patients, and more exotic animals such as ferrets, donkeys, guinea pigs, monkeys, and even tigers are being used to bring hope to individuals, thereby enhancing human efforts.Written with warmth and compassion, Creature Comfort looks at all aspects of Animal Assisted Therapy, including the theories behind it, to provide both a practical guide and a moving account of the many rewarding human-animal interactions. A must for pet lovers, health care workers, and anyone who wishes to benefit from this most holistic of therapies.Bernie Graham, an environmental psychologist, is a member of the British Psychological Society, the International Society for Anthrozoology, and the Society for Companion Animal Studies.

"With the ever-growing prison population in the United States, it is imperative to continue to examine programs that may foster reductions in recidivism rates. In the minimal observatory studies that have been conducted on animal programs in prison, it has been concluded that these programs have a positive effect on the inmates, prison environment, the animals, and the community. Implementations of these programs are in place nationwide, but thorough research and evaluation of methods and outcomes of these programs remain scarce. The purpose of this thesis is to gather data through interviews about the personal and community impacts of such programs by questioning formerly incarcerated individuals who successfully completed a prison animal program at a correctional facility in Washington State. The goal of the analysis is to understand the current benefits of prison animal programs to assist in future implementations"--Abstract

The healing power of the bond between men and dogs is explored in this unique book. Three important themes emerge: attachment, loss, and continued bonds with canine companions for males across the life span and from various contextual backgrounds. The contributors replace common assumptions with needed context pertaining to men’s emotions and relationships, starting with the impact of gender norms on attachment, and including robust data on how canine companionship may counter Western culture socialization. The chapters engage readers with details pertaining to ways in which dogs help men develop stable, caring relationships, process feelings, and cope with stress – within a variety of environments including home, school and treatment programs for veterans, prisoners, and youth. The book also address men’s loss of companion animals, and the need for building new ways of sustaining the memory and meaning of the bond in males’ lives, referred to as a “continuing bond.” From these various vantage points, therapeutic insights and relevant findings bring a new depth of understanding to this compelling topic. Included in the coverage: Masculine gender role conflict theory, research, and practice: implications for understanding the human-animal bond in males’ lives. At-risk youth and at-risk dogs helping one another. An examination of human-animal interaction as an outlet for healthy masculinity in prison. Exploring how the human-animal bond affects men’s relational capacity to make and sustain meaningful attachment bonds with both human and animal companions .“/li> Older adults and companion animals: physical and psychological benefits of the bond. Continuing the bonds with animal companions: implications for men grieving the loss of a dog. Probing the deeper concepts behind “man’s best friend,” Men and Their Dogs provides a rich clinical understanding of this timeless bond, and should be of special interest to health psychologists, clinical psychologists, academicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, life coaches and dog lovers.

In Prison Puppies, young readers will meet the hardworking dogs in the Puppies Behind Bars program. This organization teaches prison inmates to raise puppies that will later work as service dogs for people living with disabilities. The prisoners teach the dogs the skills they’ll need to assist their future owners, from basic commands like “come here” and “sit,” to more complicated tasks like opening doors and turning lights on and off. The puppies teach the prisoners, too! Working with the dogs teaches prisoners patience, responsibility, and cooperation, and gives them a chance to contribute to society in a positive way. Packed with real-life stories and dramatic, full-color photos of prison pups, this book is sure to be a favorite of dog lovers everywhere.