This manual, by Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center (WRCAC) and Court House Dogs Foundation, provides a detailed guide on the integration of facility dogs in services provided by children’s advocacy centers. It covers the history and evolution of facility dogs in supporting child victims and witnesses, outlines the unique qualifications and roles of these dogs, and offers recommendations from the Courthouse Dogs Foundation. The document also discusses the handler’s role, the positive impact of dogs on comfort provision, and the growing use of facility dogs across various settings. It includes practical advice on incorporating a facility dog into a center’s services, such as documenting the dog’s use, managing the initial greeting, and considering the dog’s presence during forensic interviews and legal proceeding.
