1. ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAM FOR MALTREATED YOUTH AT ORANGEWOOD CHILDREN’S HOME(OCH): A GRANT PROPOSAL PROJECT By Jessica Appel California State University, Long Beach May 2012

2. Introduction Problem: OCH admits as many as 1,400 children and youth from Orange County in one year (Steiner, 2010). Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) techniques can benefit this population by: Reducing behavioral, emotional, and verbal anxiety in children (Friesen, 2010). Promoting the therapeutic alliance when clients are unable or unwilling to form a relationship with a therapist (Chandler et al., 2010). Supporting and encouraging children who would otherwise be unwilling to engage socially (Friesen, 2010). Improving cognitive functioning, mental health, and relationships (Minatrea & Wesley, 2008). Goal: The goal of this program is to aid youth in beginning the healing process and assisting them in coping with their traumatic experiences. The therapy canines are meant to provide a safe and warm environment in which staff can provide support for abused children.

3. Social Work Relevance The field of social work recognizes the need for quality mental health practices and the use of alternative interventions to treat unique populations. The use of Animal-Assisted Therapy is culturally competent as it can be demonstrated across any age, race, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status (Tedeshi, Fitchett, & Molidor, 2005). Animal-Assisted Therapy can help a child who has a damaged self- esteem, has difficulty or an inability to develop trusting relationships, and feels out of control or powerless (Tedeshi, Fitchett & Molidor, 2005). Animal-Assisted Therapy can help social workers implement values such as rapport/ trust, healing, and empowerment to help support their clients in regaining a sense of well-being.

4. Multi-Cultural Relevance The social work profession values differences in cultures and values and the ability to work in diverse situations (Evan & Gray, 2011). Animal Assisted Therapy is also culturally relevant and appropriate for children and youth. Animals carry many symbolic roles in our society and tend to be a regular part of a child’s life and imagination. Children see animals as peers and can be receptive to reading the body language of the animal. This can be an avenue to teach empathy, expression, identity, and social relations (Walsh, 2009).

5. Methodology Target Population: Children and youth aged 2 to 18 years who have been displaced from their homes and housed at Orangewood Children’s Home (OCH) located in Orange, CA. OCH is Orange County’s only emergency shelter for youth placed in protective custody due to neglect, abandonment, emotional, physical or sexual abuse (Steiner, 2010). Identifying and Selecting a Funding Source: An online search for open grants that would support a canine assisted therapy program is how the writer found the Banfield Charitable Trust (BCT). The writer chose this grant because they accept grant applications twice a year that support non profit organizations that are 501 (c) 3. BCT will fund projects up to $250,000 and are open to supporting organizations on a yearly basis. Banfield Charitable Trust: BCT recognizes and promotes the human-animal bond. They understand the benefit this bond has on humans emotionally, physically, and mentally. BCT runs several different programs that benefit animals and people. Through the help of donors they are able to provide grants to assist those in need and support pet focused organizations (Banifield Charitable Trust, 2011).

6. Methodology Continued Sources Used for Needs Assessment : Through research, the writer discovered the many benefits of applying Animal Assisted Therapy techniques with children who have had traumatic experiences. Online web searches and journal articles assisted in finding statistical information through Orange County Social Services Agency and The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The writer also found journal articles regarding; the mental health and behavioral outcomes of youth who had non supportive or unhealthy transitions, benefits of AAT, and successful implemented programs. Program Budget: The grant contains a budget that includes the cost to purchase two pre- trained and raised therapy dogs, and the proper housing facilities and care for the dogs. The budget for the grant also includes the cost of training the social workers, psychologists, and Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) in certified Animal Assisted Therapy interventions and practices. The projected budget for the first year of the program is $11,807.

7. Grant Proposal Program Summary : Canines will be incorporated into the clinical interactions social workers and psychologists have with children in the facility. The Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) will utilize the therapy dogs when conducting child abuse interviews with the children. Also, the canines will be available to use for casual Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) for all residents at OCH and the staff. Population Served : Children and youth placed at OCH due to maltreatment. Only children and youth who are open to being around canines will be asked to have the therapy canines present during therapeutic sessions. Also, the general population of OCH will have opportunities to participate in Animal Assisted Activities. This can help to enhance quality of life, increase visitation, communication, motivation, and physical activity (Horowitz, 2010).

8. Grant Proposal Continued Program Objectives: Objective 1: To formally house and establish two therapy canines onsite at OCH. -A small insulated housing unit will be built onsite. OCH will select volunteers who will be available to help with ongoing care and also assist in Animal Assisted Activities. Objective 2: To train the clinical staff at OCH in Animal Assisted Therapy. -The online training, assessment, and therapy group certification are provided by Pet Partners, affiliated with The Delta Society. Objective 3: To use Animal Assisted Therapy during CAST interviews, individual counseling, and family therapy sessions. -After training the clinical team at OCH will become a registered Therapy Animal Team through Pet Partners and can begin using AAT. Objective 4: To begin using the therapy canines for Animal Assisted Activities for recreation and team building at OCH. -Staff members and volunteers can incorporate the canines for informal and recreational activities within the agency. Program Evaluation: Evaluation will include pre and post tests administered to their clients before and after the use of animal assisted therapy. These tests will measure self-esteem, self-expression, confidence, affect, and emotional state. Older youth will be asked if they want to complete a survey regarding their opinions and experience with the therapy canines. Both of these forms of evaluation will help the clinical staff to determine the most effective techniques for the population. These measures will also help clinicians to modify client treatment plans that involve Animal Assisted Therapy Techniques.

9. Discussion Lessons Learned: It is essential to assess whether there is a need for the proposed program or project. How to research peer reviewed journal articles on the internet. Also how to identify the most relevant and recent articles to include for the literature review. To justify the necessity for the program by completing a thorough literature review on the journal articles written on the population and problem. A lot of importance lies in the literature review because it shows the history of the problem and previous interventions used. It can also help to support the grant proposal’s purpose and goals. Writing a grant to request assistance for funding requires a lot of preparation and research. It is best to try to plan for every aspect of the program as best as possible. This helps in writing the grant and preparing for a well estimated projected budget to fund the program. Implications for Social Work: This grant hopes to promote the immediate needs and long-term well-being of children who have been exposed to maltreatment. The grant writer hopes to advocate for evidence based methods to assist children, youth, and families in receiving support from others and experience peace within. The values and goals behind this grant are in line with social work values. The field of social work recognizes the need for quality mental health practices and the use of alternative interventions to treat unique populations. The emergence of Animal-Assisted Therapy can be attributed to its beneficial aspects on health, well-being, and motivation. Animal Assisted Therapy techniques can directly benefit the field of social work and the interventions it utilizes.

10. References Banfield Charitable Trust. (2011). Pet advocacy grants. Banfield Charitable Trust. Retrieved from http://www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org/about-us/faqs/ Chandler, C.K., Portrine-Bethke, T.L., Barrio-Minton, C.A., Fernando, D.M.& O’Callaghan, D.M. (2010). Matching animal assisted therapy techniques and intentions with guiding theories. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 32(4), 354-374. Evans, N. & Gray, C. (2011). The practice and ethics of animal assisted therapy with children and young people: Is it enough that we don’t eat our co- workers?British Journal of Social Work, 21, 1-18. Friesen, L. (2010). Exploring animal assisted programs with children in schools and therapeutic contexts. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37, 261-267. Horowitz, S. (2010). Animal assisted therapy for inpatients. Alternative and Complimentary Therapies, 16, (6), 339-343. Minatrea, N.B. & Wesley, M.C. (2008). Reality therapy goes to the dogs. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 28, (1), 69-74. Steiner, B. (2010). Orangewood children’s home: Orangewood children and family center. In Orangewood Children’s Foundation: About us. Retrieved from http://www.orangewoodfoundation.org/about_home.asp Tedeshi, P., Fitchett, J. & Molidor, C. (2005). The incorporation of animal assisted Intervention in social work education. Journal of Family Social Work, 9(4), 59- 77. Walsh, F. (2009). Human-animal bonds I: The relational significance of companion animals. Family Process, 48 (4), 462-480.