CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — For many, going to court can be an intimidating experience.
At the Centre County courthouse, the return of a courthouse fixture is among recent initiatives to lessen the intimidation factor.
Several months ago, a children’s friendly space was added at the courthouse, a separate environment for kids who are called to court.
This week, Centre County administrators approved a new job title in the district attorney’s office, courthouse canine handler, as a courthouse dog, which can be a source of comfort, is returning.
“When you’re walking through a place with a dog, they draw attention. When someone approaches us and asks what this dog is about, we can talk about the dynamics that victims and survivors face, educate people about trauma and what that is like.”
The yet unnamed yellow lab will be available for other child-related offices as well.
“We won’t just be using this dog in our office. This dog can be used if says CYS has a need for it, they have a kid that just needs some comfort, that dog will go there.”
And speaking of animals and the court system, the Centre County sheriff this week says training continues for one of his deputies to be the county's new animal resource officer, to assist in animal abuse cases.
“It’s looking that way. I think we should be on-line to do that by late summer, early fall. That’s our hope and desire.”
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