Monet the Facility Dog

Meet Monet, a member of our Child Witness Program! Monet is the first accredited facility dog to work in the criminal justice system in the Region of Waterloo. Monet works alongside our caseworkers, supporting children and youth who are victims or witnesses of crime.

The introduction of Monet to our team has enhanced our trauma-informed practice to better support the emotional and mental health needs of our clients through the criminal court process.

The benefits that Monet provides to victimized young people and their families include:

• Providing non-judgmental comfort and support through a warm and healing touch.
• Adding a positive component to a typically difficult situation.
• Creating a positive association with Child Witness Centre, which helps build a relationship with their caseworker.
• Drawing out healthy emotions, and helps normalize traumatic situations.
• Supporting the mental health of professionals on our team and in the justice system, reducing the impact of vicarious trauma.