Chester County Youth Center and Brandywine Valley SPCA SAFE Program Partnership (SAFE - Shelter Animals For Enrichment)

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Staff at the Chester County Youth Center (CCYC) have established a meaningful partnership with the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) to incorporate the "SAFE" program. This program provides a mutually beneficial experience for juveniles at CCYC, as well as youth center staff, juvenile probation officers, case workers AND the animals - who are only eligible for adoption after being properly socialized. The benefits of this partnership inspired staff at CCYC to expand the program and establish weekly visits from Chester County deputy sheriffs and the Sheriff’s Office comfort K9, Marlee. The SAFE partnership helps to achieve five key objectives: 1) To fulfill community service hours for delinquent youth; 2) To provide a therapeutic experience; 3) To supply adequate socialization for the BVSPCA animals; 4) To foster a positive law enforcement relationship; and 5) to highlight opportunities to volunteer and work with animals. In less than a year, the SAFE partnership has helped 255 CCYC juveniles fulfill community service hours and transition out of CCYC. There is minimal cost involved, and with a 20% increase in BVSPCA adoptions in 2021, many animals have found their second chance with help from the SAFE program.