Animal Welfare Professionals

I totally believe in transformational programs like "Paws Behind Bars" - K-9 training in prisons - and the benefit for all involved. I wonder if any research has been done to see if a program like this could be instituted for at-risk youth? 
I have spoken with local teachers about the explosion of mental health and disciplinary issues within the school system. Evidence shows that working with dogs reduces the symptoms of ADHD; increased students' interest in reading when they read to dogs; reduced stress and assisted in therapy for mental conditions and behavioral problems.
There would be many hurdles, including cost, safety issues and the fact that students aren't with the dogs the majority of the day. But has anyone looked into this approach? Or, does anyone know of any research into "Schoolhouse Hounds"? (I just made that up...!)

Amy,
There is such a program in Santa Cruz called Unchained https://www.goodtimes.sc/unchained/

I totally believe in transformational programs like "Paws Behind Bars" - K-9 training in prisons - and the benefit for all involved. I wonder if any research has been done to see if a program like this could be instituted for at-risk youth? 
I have spoken with local teachers about the explosion of mental health and disciplinary issues within the school system. Evidence shows that working with dogs reduces the symptoms of ADHD; increased students' interest in reading when they read to dogs; reduced stress and assisted in therapy for mental conditions and behavioral problems.
There would be many hurdles, including cost, safety issues and the fact that students aren't with the dogs the majority of the day. But has anyone looked into this approach? Or, does anyone know of any research into "Schoolhouse Hounds"? (I just made that up...!)

I totally believe in transformational programs like "Paws Behind Bars" - K-9 training in prisons - and the benefit for all involved. I wonder if any research has been done to see if a program like this could be instituted for at-risk youth? 
I have spoken with local teachers about the explosion of mental health and disciplinary issues within the school system. Evidence shows that working with dogs reduces the symptoms of ADHD; increased students' interest in reading when they read to dogs; reduced stress and assisted in therapy for mental conditions and behavioral problems.
There would be many hurdles, including cost, safety issues and the fact that students aren't with the dogs the majority of the day. But has anyone looked into this approach? Or, does anyone know of any research into "Schoolhouse Hounds"? (I just made that up...!)

You can also check out the work Green Chimneys does: https://www.greenchimneys.org

I totally believe in transformational programs like "Paws Behind Bars" - K-9 training in prisons - and the benefit for all involved. I wonder if any research has been done to see if a program like this could be instituted for at-risk youth? 
I have spoken with local teachers about the explosion of mental health and disciplinary issues within the school system. Evidence shows that working with dogs reduces the symptoms of ADHD; increased students' interest in reading when they read to dogs; reduced stress and assisted in therapy for mental conditions and behavioral problems.
There would be many hurdles, including cost, safety issues and the fact that students aren't with the dogs the majority of the day. But has anyone looked into this approach? Or, does anyone know of any research into "Schoolhouse Hounds"? (I just made that up...!)

I totally believe in transformational programs like "Paws Behind Bars" - K-9 training in prisons - and the benefit for all involved. I wonder if any research has been done to see if a program like this could be instituted for at-risk youth? 
I have spoken with local teachers about the explosion of mental health and disciplinary issues within the school system. Evidence shows that working with dogs reduces the symptoms of ADHD; increased students' interest in reading when they read to dogs; reduced stress and assisted in therapy for mental conditions and behavioral problems.
There would be many hurdles, including cost, safety issues and the fact that students aren't with the dogs the majority of the day. But has anyone looked into this approach? Or, does anyone know of any research into "Schoolhouse Hounds"? (I just made that up...!)

East Bay SPCA runs a program similar to this. Feel free to reach out for more info: education@eastbayspca.org

I totally believe in transformational programs like "Paws Behind Bars" - K-9 training in prisons - and the benefit for all involved. I wonder if any research has been done to see if a program like this could be instituted for at-risk youth? 
I have spoken with local teachers about the explosion of mental health and disciplinary issues within the school system. Evidence shows that working with dogs reduces the symptoms of ADHD; increased students' interest in reading when they read to dogs; reduced stress and assisted in therapy for mental conditions and behavioral problems.
There would be many hurdles, including cost, safety issues and the fact that students aren't with the dogs the majority of the day. But has anyone looked into this approach? Or, does anyone know of any research into "Schoolhouse Hounds"? (I just made that up...!)