Massachusetts Prison Program Expands to Train More Service Dogs

Nearly a thousand service dogs have received basic training skills in Massachusetts prisons since 1998, when the Department of Corrections began partnering with the National Education for Assistance Dog Services. The program is expanding.

How the Program Began

Heather Morrison wrote for MassLive.com, “Hundreds of dogs have been part of dog training programs at Massachusetts prisons in the past 20 years, with this program at the Commonwealth’s only state correctional facility for women being the most recent expansion.”

Meet Hawkeye and Helia

The national non-profit Canine Companions is teaming up with MCI-Framingham by delivering two new service dogs in training, Hawkeye and Helia.

After learning new skills with inmates participating in the prison training program, the dogs will receive “advanced training before being placed with individuals in need.”

Rehabilitation Through Responsibility

A Department of Corrections press release quoted Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey as saying, “Our administration is focused on reducing recidivism and building a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and successful reentry.”

“Through this program, participants are engaged in service, structure, and skill-building all while helping to meet a real need in the broader community," Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy said. “This is a model rehabilitation that works to reduce recidivism and improve public safety."

Reducing Recidivism With Service Dogs

Canine Companions boasts a “less than 5% recidivism” rate among program participants. Founded in 1975, Canine Companions is “the nation’s first and largest provider of service dogs,” according to the Department of Corrections.

“Incarcerated handlers are responsible for teaching foundational commands, managing daily care, and helping socialize the puppies to various environments and experiences," according to the department.