Arguably the most important dog programs to date are those that have been launched in youth detention centers and prisons. These wonderful programs have been adapted to rehabilitate young offenders, perhaps intervening before the tipping point, before a life of crime is all they know and expect. The enormous overall success of the adult programs has spawned innovative new prison dog programs for juvenile delinquents and violent youthful offenders.

According to a press release put out by the Bureau of Justice Statistics on February 27, 2000, the increase in the incarceration of juveniles is alarming. And sixty-one percent are being convicted of violent crimes. Intervention at a younger age with programs that teach caring and kindness, that open their cold, fear-hardened hearts to feelings, emotions and love are urgently needed.

“In 2002, Students age 12 through 18 were victims of about 88,000 serious violent crimes at school, and about 309,000 away from school. Between 1992 and 2001 victimization rates at school and away from school declined. {Bureau of Justice Statistics}

• In 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003 about seven to nine percent of students in grades nine to 12 reported being threatened or injured with a weapon such as a gun, knife, or club on school property in the past 12 months.
• In 2003, about 6% of students carried a weapon such as a gun, knife, or club on school property in the past 30 days, a decline from 12% in 1993.
• Sixteen school-associated homicides were of school age children between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000.
• In 2003, 21% of students reported the presence of street gangs in their schools.”

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, in 1997, juveniles perpetrated 1400 murders in the United States.

These programs are making a difference in the behavior and rehabiltation of incarcerated juveniles–many of which are extremely violent, with serious emotional and anti-social behavior. These same kids and young adults will be murdering people, burning down homes, robbing banks and homes and carrying out other very heinous crimes if they are not intervened on in a meaningful–life altering way BEFORE they get out. And most will get out.

Tags: juveniles and justice, juveniles in prison dog programs

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