Prison-based training programme offered
The Scottish Prison Service, the Dogs Trust and a postgraduate student from the University of Stirling have collaborated to create 'Paws for Progress', a prison-based dog training programme which is the first of its kind in the UK. The programme involves rescue dogs from the Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre and young offenders from Her Majesty's Young Offender's Institution (HMYOI) Polmont.
The aim of the programme is to assist the offenders with addressing their own behaviour and development of skills useful in seeking employment subsequent to their release. It is hoped that the experience will also prove beneficial in increasing the chances of rehoming the carefully-selected dogs. The offenders are paired with a dog for which they are made responsible and they are also made accountable for its behaviour. Punishment strategies are strictly forbidden and positive reinforcement strategies are encouraged. The students can achieve an SQA, which, given the individuals in question, may become the only qualification they possess.
The programme was inspired by Rebecca Leonardi (pictured), who is undertaking a PhD in Psychology at the University of Stirling. She drew on a similar project in the USA, entitled Project POOCH. Commenting, Ms Leonadi said "The young men involved in the programme are going through difficult and challenging periods in their lives. They are aware of how their attitude and behaviour impact upon their allocated dog's progress and work very hard to ensure their dog is given the best chance of a happier future. When they see how the dogs change as a result of their hard work, it is very rewarding and they realise that they are capable of changing too."
Governor Kate Donegan of HMYOI Polmont has revealed that the young offenders in the programme have already made improvements in their employability and literacy skills. "I look forward to reading Ms Leonardi's findings in the future and seeing how this research can be utilised to improve the efficiencies of the prison estate." she said.
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