Winston the justice facility dog helps calm stressed and anxious kids testifying in court

Winston the wonder dog is coming to the rescue of stressed and traumatised* children who are victims of or witnesses* to crime.

The friendly black labrador retriever was selected and trained by Guide Dogs Western Australia to attend the Perth Children’s Court building where he sits with children to calm them before they give evidence* in the courtroom.

As part of the first Australian study into the impact of having a justice facility* dog at a Children’s Court, the nervous kids could pat, sit with, and talk to Winston. He could also lie on the ground beside people or place his head or paws on their feet, providing a comforting body pressure.

Children reported that Winston helped them and also reduced negative feelings. Some of their comments included:  

“He helps with getting stuff off your mind.” 

“Winston is a very good service dog, and he calmed me down and helped me.” 

“He really helps you get not stressed.” 

“Winston is a sick dude and a good mate when I have to come here.”   

Edith Cowan University criminology researchers Dr Suz Rock and Associate Professor Natalie Gately found there were also other benefits by having Winston in court.

“Parents and caregivers also reported a reduction of stress and anxiety*,” Dr Rock said.

“And court staff who are also dealing with stressful stories, anxious clients, and exposed to various kinds of trauma reported that Winston reduced their stress levels and provided a more positive working environment.” 

Dr Rock said it was important to help children testify.

“Without their testimony offenders* can go unpunished as they can’t be convicted*,” she said.  The Perth Justice Facility Dog Program is a partnership between the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime and Guide Dogs WA.

POLL

GLOSSARY

• traumatised: when an incident shocks or upsets someone very much, and may cause them psychological damage
• witnesses: people who have watched something happen
• evidence: facts or information
• justice facility: a building such as a courthouse
• anxiety: a feeling of worry or nervousness
• offenders: criminals
• convicted: having been declared guilty of a crime

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QUICK QUIZ
1. How did Winston help children when he was introduced to the courthouse building?
2. What sort of dog is Winston?
3. What does Winston allow the kids to do to help them?
4. Where is the Australian-first study taking place?
5. Name two other benefits from the study.

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. What Would Winston Say?
Imagine that you are Winston. Write a description of your job, what qualities you have that make you good at it, and why you think this job is important. Your purpose is to encourage other dogs to train as justice facility dogs.

Time: allow at least 30 minutes to complete this activity.
Curriculum Links: English, Personal and Social Capability.

2. Extension
Can you think of other things that can be done to help make Children’s Court a less stressful place for kids? Write down as many ideas as you can. For each idea, write an explanation of how and why this would be helpful.

Time: allow at least 15 minutes to complete this activity.
Curriculum Links: English, Personal and Social Capability.

VCOP ACTIVITY
1. News: condensed

Identify the most important pieces of information in this article and write a condensed version of it using 50 words or less.
Draw a picture or diagram to support your condensed news story.

Time: allow 25 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science