Therapy Dogs in Schools, livre ebook

Therapy Dogs in Schools: An Evidence-Based Protocol for Best Practice outlines the Professional Application of Therapy Dogs in Schools (PATS) protocol. The PATS protocol provides K–12 school professionals with a structured sequence for planning, implementing, and evaluating a school-based therapy dog program that ensures community safety, attends to animal welfare, and maximizes program impact. Therapy dog program goals include improved emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes and promoting a positive school culture. Leading researchers in the field of animal-assisted interventions and services cite the critical need for this type of protocol, especially as the number of dogs in schools has risen dramatically in the last decade.

The PATS protocol is the first evidence-based guide to provide administrators, staff, and therapy dog handlers with tools to plan, implement, and evaluate a school-based therapy dog program. Currently, there are no laws governing the incorporation of therapy dogs in schools. The PATS protocol has the potential to increase the professionalism of therapy dog program implementation by addressing school safety, ensuring canine welfare, and maximizing program outcomes. This book is for school professionals and volunteers alike, to identify how to maintain a therapy dog program and how to support the school community when it is time to retire a therapy dog.

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
PART 1. PLANNING
CHAPTER 1 Needs Assessment and Purpose
CHAPTER 2 Developing the School Partnership—Communication, Education, and Screening
CHAPTER 3 Ensuring Adequate Handler Training
CHAPTER 4 Standards for Selecting and Training a School-Based Therapy Dog and Ensuring Adequate Canine Health
CHAPTER 5 Documenting Your Risk Assessment and Management Plan (RAMP)
PART 2. IMPLEMENTATION
CHAPTER 6 Implementing Your Therapy Dog Program According to Standards of Practice
CHAPTER 7 Ensuring Therapy Dog Welfare and Student and Staff Safety
CHAPTER 8 Working With Special Populations, Crisis Teams, and Collaborating With Specific Disciplines
CHAPTER 9 Data, Research, and Continuing Education
CHAPTER 10 Loss or Retirement of a Therapy Dog Team
References
Appendices