First Advisor
Lindley, Don
Second Advisor
McGrath, Jack
College
College for Professional Studies
Degree Name
MS Criminology
School
School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Number of Pages
59 pages
Abstract
Juvenile delinquent facilities have witnessed an increase in youthful offenders experiencing mental health disorders. Mental health clinicians have been required to implement new forms of mental health treatments to address the rise in this special population of juveniles. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has become a popular form of treatment in detention facilities. Qualitative data collection was administered using a focus group of three participants to examine clinicians' perceptions of juvenile participation during AAT. Clinicians perceived increased participation of juveniles participation in AAT. Clinicians also witnessed changes in juvenile behaviors within the detention facility, indicating juveniles participating in AAT were more relaxed and expressed more leadership than other juveniles. clinicians consistently reported the importance of implementing a screening process to identify appropriate clients as the participants believe AAT was not a good tool for all juveniles. Based on the perceptions of the clinicians, future research would focus on identifying an effective screening process for juvenile participants, as wells as evaluating the long-term effects of AAT regarding juvenile offenders.
Date of Award
Summer 2011
Location (Creation)
Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)
Copyright
© Julia M. Lowe
Rights Statement
All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.
Recommended Citation
Lowe, Julia M., "Animal Assisted Therapy: The Perception Of Animal Assisted Therapy Clinicians Regarding Active Participation In Treatment Therapies Of Juveniles In Detention Center Settings" (2011). Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection). 742.
https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/742