Resource Details

Following on from the success of the AniCare program, we produced the AniCare Child Assessment and Treatment Approach for Childhood Animal Abuse. This program is used by mental health professionals working with children in agencies, domestic violence organizations, hospitals, schools and private practice as well as other professionals who work with children and their families—day care providers, social service workers, probation department and other law enforcement officials, teachers, clergy, animal control and humane society personnel, and veterinarians.

AniCare Child is the first published treatment approach to focus exclusively on juvenile cruelty to animals. The 90 page practitioner's handbook provides comprehensive strategies and practical suggestions for assessing and treating childhood animal abuse. AniCare Child can be used as the primary treatment focus or as an ancillary treatment. Note that ASI also has available The AniCare Model aimed at treating animal abusers over the age of 17.

Encompassing a number of theoretical perspectives - cognitive-behavioral, attachment theory, and psychodynamic, AniCare Child provides detailed and practical suggestions for assessment and treatment. It describes four basic steps in making as assessment and enumerates the factors to consider

The three therapeutic tasks of treatment - connection, expression, and corrective intervention - organize the approach to treatment. Clinical case examples, a variety of exercises, and other tools, such as use of projective material and puppet role play, are presented. AniCare Child also addresses assessing and treating children who witness animal abuse and includes a section on "Working with Parents."

ASI offers certification in the AniCare and AniCare Child approach. We are also certifying counselors to help us in giving AniCare and AniCare Workshops.

The development of AniCare Child is based on documented clinical experience, an examination of effective and reliable treatments for children that are relevant to this topic, and consultation with and review by experts.

AniCare Child is designed for two audiences:(1) child mental health professionals working in agencies, domestic violence organizations, hospitals, schools, and private practice; and (2) other professionals who work with children and their families - day care providers, social service workers, probation department and law enforcement officials, teachers, clergy, animal control and humane society personnel, and veterinarians.

AniCare Child may be used independently by individuals experienced in working with children. Many people, however, feel better prepared if they receive training in the use of the AniCare Child approach. As of June 2004, Society & Animals Forum has provided workshops in 27 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Throughout the year, DDAF and Society & Animals Forum will consider requests from interested groups who seek AniCare Child training.

ASI recognizes the Doris Day Animal Foundation and their generous support of this program.

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