Prisons Therapy Dogs
Fostering Wellbeing, Connection and Rehabilitation
Prisons Therapy Dogs
At Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN), our dedicated volunteers and their dogs visit prisons across England and Wales, offering invaluable support to both inmates and staff.
A Lifeline Behind Bars
These therapy dogs provide a non-judgmental presence, often becoming the highlight of the week for many prisoners, especially those who do not receive regular visitors. The continuity and comfort offered by these visits can significantly enhance mental wellbeing.
Proven Benefits for Mental Health
Research has shown that therapy dogs can help prisoners restore their mental health and reduce the risk of serious self-harm. Additionally, therapy dog programs have been associated with improvements in behavioural and mental health, including decreases in aggression, depression, isolation, and anxiety.
Building Trust and Connection
Interactions with therapy dogs can provide a unique source of comfort, support, and love for participants, contributing to improved relationships with prison staff.
Our approach is flexible and collaborative, working closely with prison staff to support specific groups. Some volunteers provide therapy dog support within the prison, while others visit groups in visitor centres at His Majesty’s Prisons (HMPs). This adaptability ensures that our services meet the unique needs of each facility, fostering a sense of connection to the outside world and aiding in rehabilitation efforts.
If you’re interested in bringing the benefits of a TDN therapy dog to a prison near you, please contact us to learn more about our visiting program.
Tailored Support Across Facilities
Our approach is flexible and collaborative, working closely with prison staff to support specific groups. Some volunteers provide therapy dog support within the prison, while others visit groups in visitor centres at His Majesty’s Prisons (HMPs). This adaptability ensures that our services meet the unique needs of each facility, fostering a sense of connection to the outside world and aiding in rehabilitation efforts.
Bringing Comfort Where It’s Needed Most
If you’re interested in bringing the benefits of a TDN therapy dog to a prison near you, please contact us to learn more about our visiting program.
Sources
Therapy dogs should be more widely available in prisons to improve wellbeing and self-harm, says new report: This report by Rethink Mental Illness highlights how therapy dogs can help prisoners restore their mental health and reduce the risk of serious self-harm. Rethink Mental Illness
The Experiences of Offenders in a Prison Canine Program: Published by the Federal Probation Journal, this study discusses how interactions with therapy dogs can decrease depression and lower blood pressure among inmates, contributing to improved emotional health. Federal Probation Journal
The Power of Involving Incarcerated Individuals in Assistance Dog Training Programs: This article from Assistance Dogs International reveals that engaging inmates in dog training initiatives increases self-esteem, reduces recidivism rates, and enhances interpersonal skills. Assistance Dogs International
Unleashing compassionate care: canine-assisted intervention as a tool for reducing substance use in incarcerated settings: Published in Frontiers in Psychology, this study found that therapy dogs provide a positive and supportive alternative to the traditional prison environment, positively impacting participants’ relationships with institutional staff.
PMC
The mental health impact of therapy dogs in prisons: Featured on Russell Webster’s website, this article discusses how therapy dogs have a calming influence on prisoners, help increase coping skills and provide a safe space for expressing emotions.
Russell Webster
A New Leash on Life: Benefits of Dog Training Programs in Prisons: This research paper from the University of Washington argues that dog training programs are highly beneficial for participants due to the human-animal bond, leading to lower recidivism rates compared to traditional vocational programs. University of Washington
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Prison-Based Dog-Training Programs in Florida: This article presents a cost-benefit analysis using program costs and updated recidivism results, highlighting the low cost and positive effects of dog-training programs on offenders.
ResearchGate