Fetch Program

About the Program

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

Year: 2015

The San Bernardino County Probation Department Detention Corrections Bureau has partnered with Dances with Dogs trainers to provide a program for our youth who are currently detained in the Central Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center and Gateway Program. In January 2015, the Focused Educational Therapy with Compassion and Healing (FETCH) Program was implemented. FETCH is a six week program for youth become educated in the proper care/treatment of dogs and how to train a dog in basic or advanced commands. The FETCH educational mission is to help youth develop personal skills to become responsible and productive members of the community, build self confidence, develop or improve empathy and to lead by example. The youth’s sessions, which are twice a week, are conducted in a classroom setting for the education portion. For the training portion of the course, sessions are held either outside or in a dayroom area. The first session includes a classroom/education lecture component where the youth are required to complete assignments; participate in teamwork activities and complete homework assignments. During the second session, the youth utilize the skills learned in the education portion by practicing the skills introduced and applying the skills taught during the education portion. Through the process, the youth are able to ask questions and receive the answers needed from the dog trainers. So far, thirteen (13) youth have received certificates of completion. The youth have shared that stated the classroom component allowed them to learn about dogs and gain knowledge on how to better care for their own pets. The youth that have successfully completed the program have expressed how helping train the dogs has helped them grow and develop coping skills such as patience and perseverance. Many have experienced positive changes in their own behavior as they look forward to the opportunity to attend the sessions and obtain a certificate. They look forward to the “hands on” portion of the training as it is fun and rewarding because they are able to interact with the dogs and apply the techniques. The Problem or Need for the Program: The benefits/need of the dog therapy program • Teaches youth to be outward focused, not just inward focused • Builds character and self-esteem • Teaches youth to care for another being and gives them a sense of responsibility • Teaches youth who have previously abused animals to care for animals and become educated about their well being • Provides Restorative Justice via a community service approach • Provides recreation, stimulation and a sense of accomplishment for youth • Promotes staff involvement/bonding with the youth • Youth receive a certificate of completion for participating in the program noting their accomplishments