State Rep. Cara Pavalock (R-77) supported a bill to establish a state protocol for animal therapy programs that could help other children living with trauma and loss, according to a press release from her office. The legislation, HB-6725, “An Act Concerning Animal-Assisted Therapy Services,” makes several changes to the law concerning animal-assisted therapy services, including requiring the Department of Children and Families commissioner, in consultation with the agriculture commissioner to develop a protocol to identify and mobilize animal-assisted critical incident response teams statewide, said the news release. Pavalock said, according to her news release, “Animal-assisted interventions and therapy have become an integral part of trauma informed treatment for children who’ve experienced any life change, or emotional, or traumatic event. It is also a very successful therapy in working with children who have developmental disabilities. The programs help children learn to manage their emotions and behaviors in positive ways and to improve their self-esteem. I proudly support this bill which broadens the definition of animal-assisted activity and also includes other animals in addition to dogs that can be certified for therapy. I am hopeful that many more at-risk children will benefit from these services.” The news release said the bill changes […]
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