A qualitative assessment of a dog program for youth offenders in an adult prison.

Abstract

Dog programs occurring in prison tend to generate positive public opinion and media portrayals, yet they often lack empirical validation. This is the first study to examine the key themes that drive a dog program aimed at incarcerated youth serving time in an adult prison. A sample of male youth (n=31) were provided survey questions on a rescue dog program. A grounded qualitative approach was employed with open-ended responses. The following themes emerged: the symbolism of the dog its role in therapy, perceptions of positive behaviors and rehabilitation, a sense of normality, and universal support by inmates. This study supports the potential for utilizing rescue dogs in therapeutic interventions in which the vulnerable inmate can discuss early trauma, interpersonal dysfunction and histories of deviance. The dog symbolized the potential for incarcerated youth to engage in discussion of sensitive topics in a safe manner. Policy implications also include the function of dogs in creating a normalizing effect on the prison unit itself, one that can promote rehabilitation. There was universal support for the program which is rare in the prison milieu. Theoretically, positive outcomes occurred in an indirect manner, though more research is needed.