A new initiative in Maryland aims to provide comfort to children during court proceedings by allowing therapy dogs to accompany them. The Courthouse Dog and Child Witness Pilot Program has been introduced in the circuit courts of Anne Arundel and Harford County. This program enables facility and therapy dogs to be present with child witnesses in both criminal and civil cases.
The idea for this pilot was spearheaded by State Senator Bryan Simonaire from District 31. In Anne Arundel County, the Circuit Court collaborated with the Caring Canines Pet Therapy team for implementation. Caring Canines is a pet therapy program established by Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat located in Davidsonville, which provides certified pet therapy teams aimed at offering a calming presence.
Erin Bogan, marketing director for Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat, expressed enthusiasm about the program's launch: "The Dogwood Acres and Caring Canines teams are thrilled to see this program up and running. It has been a long-time dream for us to see our amazing dogs helping those in the court system who may need extra support to make their experience less traumatic."
Eligibility for participation in the program will be determined by various entities including the state attorney's office, a best interest attorney, or a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). Requests must be submitted in writing and require approval from the court’s administrative judge.
Although no written requests have been received since its inception, both courts anticipate seeing requests soon. Judge Angela Eaves of Harford County Circuit Court commented on this expectation: “We’re looking forward to receiving requests because we’ve seen how helpful dogs can be in easing the stress of children who come to court.”
A ceremony at Anne Arundel Circuit Court will feature trained facility dogs along with their handlers joining several judges including Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of Maryland Court of Appeals and Judge Laura Kiessling, Administrative Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.