The Power of Involving Incarcerated Individuals in Assistance Dog Training Programs: Looking at ADI Programs Across the Globe

The practice of involving incarcerated individuals in the training of assistance dogs is a dynamic phenomenon that extends across the globe. From the United States to Ireland and Australia, these initiatives are making a significant impact on inmates, communities, and the lives of those in need.

Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN): A Path to Rehabilitation and Purpose

In the heart of Indiana, the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) has been leading the charge in training assistance dogs while providing inmates with a chance for rehabilitation and personal growth. Operating as a nonprofit, ICAN boasts a unique prison program in which inmates at three different Indiana prisons collaborate in training service dogs.

ICAN's mission extends beyond just training dogs – it's about transforming lives. By allowing incarcerated individuals to work alongside their furry companions, ICAN helps them move beyond their past mistakes and find hope for the future. Jillian Ashton, ICAN's President and CEO, emphasizes the importance of helping offenders become productive and responsible citizens. "There's no reason not to want to make them the best possible version of themselves," Ashton states.

In this program, inmates receive hands-on training from ICAN's full-time trainers, who visit the prisons weekly for in-person training sessions. The inmates nurture and train the dogs from puppyhood, alternating between prison and society to provide the dogs with a variety of experiences.

The results of ICAN's prison program speak volumes. Inmates who participated have reported that the experience is "life-changing." Moreover, ICAN handlers boast a recidivism rate of just 14.5%, compared to the state's average of 33.82%. This program not only transforms the lives of inmates but also has a ripple effect, benefiting the community as well.

Irish Dogs for the Disabled - Shelton Abbey Prison Program: Learning and Growing Through Dogs

On the tranquil grounds of Shelton Abbey, a low-security prison in Ireland, inmates have been participating in a unique program in collaboration with Irish Dogs for the Disabled. This program allows inmates to train assistance dogs, offering a fresh perspective on rehabilitation and personal development.

The open environment at Shelton Abbey provides an ideal backdrop for training dogs, allowing the dogs to run free and play during their downtime. Carefully selected inmates take on the role of handlers, caring for and training the young adult dogs under the watchful eye of charity trainers and prison liaison officers. This experience imparts valuable life skills, patience, and understanding of the impact their behavior can have on the dogs.

This program is successful for the charity, as it enables Irish Dogs for the Disabled to produce additional assistance dogs at a reduced cost. It benefits the inmates because of the one-to-one interaction with the dogs and the development of skills. It also benefits the prison because it creates a calm and positive environment for inmates and staff alike.

Governor Joseph Donohue commends the program for giving inmates a sense of responsibility and trust, preparing them for life beyond the prison walls. This small but impactful program is a testament to the potential for positive change through the partnership of inmates and assistance dogs. 

Assistance Dogs Australia - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre: A Path to Wellbeing

In the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre (SQCC), a partnership between prisoners and Assistance Dogs Australia is changing lives. Through the Pups in Prison program, inmates are given the opportunity to train puppies that will eventually support community members with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism.

Research firm Huber Social conducted an independent social impact assessment, revealing that participants in the Pups in Prison program experience a 94% increase in wellbeing. This program equips inmates with new skills, responsibilities, and training, contributing to their rehabilitation and post-release success.

The positive outcomes of this program are noteworthy. Inmate trainers experience an improvement of 32% in confidence and self-esteem, as well as a 25% boost in mental wellness. The program's impact extends beyond prison walls, offering recipients of the trained dogs significant improvements in relationship skills (148%) and mental health (224%).

Notably, these programs aren't just about dogs; it's about fostering connections, building life skills, and preparing incarcerated individuals for a brighter future. Through these international examples, it's evident that the partnership between inmates and assistance dogs is a powerful catalyst for change that reaches far beyond carceral settings.

###

Samantha has been training puppies and managing volunteers in the assistance dog world since 2014 previously working at large guide and assistance dog organizations in Ontario and British Columbia. She now works privately as a canine consultant and subject matter expert in positive reinforcement training with puppies and assistance dogs. She has a positive approach to problem solving and a love of working with people and dogs. In her down time, you can find her reading on the couch with her pets, or out on the trails of Vancouver Island, BC with her partner and their canines. 

Interested in writing a blog post for ADI? Please see our submission form.