Los Angeles County Probation Department Pawsitive Change Program Graduates First Class

LOS ANGELES—Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Probation Department graduated its first class from the “Pawsitive Change” program at Campus Kilpatrick.

In February, the Los Angeles County Probation Department’s Campus Kilpatrick partnered with Marley’s Mutts, the “Pawsitive Change” program. “Pawsitive Change” is a program in which detained individuals are selected and partnered with shelter dogs. Program participants complete approximately three months of course curriculum, including weekly interactive dog training sessions, homework assignments, and personal goal setting.

The program began at Campus Kilpatrick when a youth expressed interest in the program and submitted a proposal. Campus Kilpatrick staff coordinated efforts to host the program, which was funded as a one-year pilot program.

Participants began the training with three weeks of theory curriculum. In the fourth week, two K-9 friends were introduced to participants and began residing with the young men in two separate living units at Campus Kilpatrick. The young men are responsible for the dog’s daily care and training needs.

The program’s dog trainers are “credible messengers” with former justice-involved lived experience. The trainers meet with the young men and K-9s weekly for practical training sessions. Because of the trainer’s lived experience, the weekly sessions often also serve as life skills and mentorship moments. The program also provides participants with new career opportunities to learn how to become dog trainers.

A total of five participants graduated from the program.

View a short video about the “Pawsitive Change” program at Campus Kilpatrick.

Learn more about Marley’s Mutts and Pawsitive Change, by visiting marleysmutts.org