A therapy dog program is helping students who are struggling in school reconnect with their education, with more than 1,300 young people supported so far.

Paw Pals, run by MacKillop Family Services, provides trained therapy dogs and facilitators to work with students who face barriers to learning. The program operates across Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.

Brona Walsh, Education and Engagement Program Director at MacKillop, said Paw Pals helps to improve students’ confidence, self-regulation and behavioural management skills.

“With the support from the community, we have been able to help over 1300 kids. With their ongoing support, we hope to be able to meet current demand which far exceeds capacity and continue to grow the program.”

The initiative is part of MacKillop’s trauma-informed approach, supporting students like 15-year-old Caleb*, who lives with trauma and is autistic. Traditional classrooms were overwhelming for him until he met Luna, a therapy dog, and her handler Mel. Through observing Luna, Caleb learned how to recognise stress and practise calming techniques.

Lara Shannon, Paw Pals Ambassador and television presenter, said the impact of the dogs is clear.

“Children respond to a compassionate wet nose. The program is trauma-informed and much more than bringing a dog to school, but if you’ve ever melted when looking at a pair of soft brown eyes, you will understand why Paw Pals works.

“Dogs have an innate sense of responding to human emotion, body language and needs. When children meet MacKillop’s Paw Pals, it’s the start of getting back in touch with their education.”

The program costs $220 per one-to-one session or $374 for a school group session of up to eight students. MacKillop is currently appealing for community donations to expand the program.

Statistics show one in five Australian students do not complete Year 12, and one in three early school leavers are not in work or study. The estimated long-term cost to taxpayers for each student who leaves early is more than $600,000.

In 2023, Ballarat Community Health funded seven Paw Pals programs in six schools, and Isla Ford, Coordinator at Ballarat Community Health said she highly recommends Paw Pals to any school or organisation looking to enhance student wellbeing and engagement.

“The Paw Pals program has continuously shown over the years to be effective in addressing student chronic absenteeism and disengagement, essentially with the most vulnerable students.

 “The dedication of the Paw Pals team, combined with the unique and evidence-based approach, makes this program an invaluable resource for schools and youth services.”

Paw Pals is supported by community donations and partners including the Petstock Foundation, Catholic Development Fund, Queensland Gives, iCare Staffing and Woolworths at Work.

*Name changed for privacy.

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