Monday, March 7, 2016

Assignment - St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Victim Services Unit!

Smiles for the kids at the Carnahan Courthouse!
At the end of 2015, Magnum participated in a pilot program at the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Victim Services Unit.  Victim Advocate Caseworker, Becky Schulz, is a believer in the Power of Pet Therapy.  Through her Social Work Masters Program at the University of  Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), Becky sought to evaluate the ability of specially trained Facility Dogs to help victims, primarily children, as they seek justice in the Court System.

Her results – nothing less than wonderful!  Not all victims were willing to participate in the pilot program.  (This is always a factor, no matter how impactful the study – a certain percentage of people will choose to not participate.) However, for those that did participate, the results spoke for themselves.  These results were not statistical, but they were demonstrated in smiles, calm demeanors, gentle touch and voices lifted as they told their stories to the Prosecutors and to Magnum.  While the people of the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office are sworn to obtain justice for their young victims, Magnum serves in a different manner.  His job is to bring the children (and their families) unconditional love, comfort and joy. 
Even baby Magnum plays a role.  He can snuggle with kids both in the Courtroom and at home!
Magnum + Victim Services Unit.  It is a powerful combination and one which surely will make a difference in the lives of children and adults alike who pass through the doors of the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.  We are thankful for this opportunity to help crime victims and look forward to many smiles ahead!

Miss  Carol