Comfort dogs could soon be dispatched across Worcester County to help children, families and others cope with traumatic events under a new program being established by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
The office has received a federal Department of Justice grant to create a countywide mutual aid system that will allow municipal police departments with trained comfort dog teams to assist communities beyond their own borders, according to an announcement Monday.
The funding, awarded through the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program, also supports youth substance use prevention programming throughout Worcester County.
Several local police departments already coordinate the use of comfort dogs, according to the District Attorney’s Office. The new initiative is intended to formalize that cooperation while strengthening existing programs and helping other departments develop comfort dog teams.
The funds are used for training, coordination and deployment of the teams, which could be called upon during critical incidents as well as community outreach efforts.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said he has seen the effect the dogs can have on people dealing with traumatic circumstances.
“The impact that these dogs have on people experiencing traumatic situations is unbelievable,” Early said in the announcement. “Their presence brings an immediate sense of calm and reduction in anxiety and stress when its needed most, helping people feel more at ease during moments of crisis and trauma.”
The District Attorney’s Office said the program is designed to make trained teams available throughout Worcester County when individual communities need additional support and to expand access to comfort dogs during difficult or traumatic events.
The announcement did not specify the amount of the federal grant, which police departments will participate in the program or when the countywide response system is expected to begin operating.
