Rescue 2 Restore
Implementing Animal Programs in DJJ Facilities
Chrissy Kaczynski, Animal Programs Coordinator
4/13/2015
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Mission and Vision
Mission
Rescue 2 Restore is a mutually beneficial program aiming to
improve the quality of life for youth housed in juvenile detention
centers around the state of Georgia while providing a second
chance for rescue/shelter dogs that would otherwise have been
euthanized.
Vision
OFFER HOPE AND CHANGE, where youth will gain a sense of
responsibility and companionship, and the dogs will become
adoptable.
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Program Establishment
Rescue 2 Restore was established in June 2014 as a component
of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Division of
Volunteer Services.
The department identified animal programming as a successful
method to provide youth with life skills, while educating the
youth on animal care and compassion. Behaviorally, animal
programs have proven to alleviate depression and encourage
good behavior.
Rescue 2 Restore is responsible for building community
partnerships and providing the youth with positive animal
interactions and lessons.
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Scope of Service
System Wide Services
 Training: Providing structured dog training programs in the facilities
that house animals. The training program will teach the dogs skills to
make them more adoptable, while teaching the youth patience and
using positive reinforcement to create positive results.
 Education: One time and recurrent volunteers will educate the youth
on a variety of animal issues including proper animal care, animal
abuse and cruelty, pet therapy, working and service dogs, careers in
the pet industry, and competitive dog sports.
 Community Partnerships: Through community partnerships the youth
will be able to give back to their community through programs in the
facilities and community service after release.
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Community Partnerships
 Dog Training Programs: In these programs the youth give back to the
community by providing training to dogs that would otherwise be
euthanized at local shelters. Through these partnerships the youth are
able to help the dogs, rescue groups, and eventually families in their
community who seek to adopt a well trained dog.
 Dog House Building: Youth will be able to build dog houses to provide
proper shelter for dogs in their community. Thus assisting both
families who cannot afford adequate housing for their pets and the
animals that benefit from proper shelter.
 Community Service Partnerships: Youth will have opportunities to
volunteer through community outreach and animal welfare projects.
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Current Programs
Elbert Shaw Regional Youth Detention Center
 Community Partner: The Humane Society of Northwest Georgia
 Current Dogs: 2
 Youth in Program: varies
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Current Programs
Muscogee Youth Development Campus
 Community Partner: Humane Society of Harris County
 Current Dogs: 4
 Youth in Program: 9
 Training: Currently have a 12 week training program with a volunteer
trainer assisting one day a week.
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Future Programs
Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center
 Community Partner: The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia
 Planned # of Dogs: 4
 Planned # of Youth: varies
Atlanta Youth Development Campus
 Community Partner: Atlanta Pet Rescue
 Planned # of Dogs: 4
 Planned # of Youth: 8
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Community Partner’s Role
Provide vet care for the dogs in the program
Provide all supplies and medications needed for the dogs
in the program
Transport dogs who graduate the program to adoption
events and to meet potential families
If possible, provide resources for training and speakers at
their partner facility
If possible, provide community service or employment
opportunities for the youth in the community
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Animal Program Coordinator's Role
Provide assistance in locating trainers and speakers to
supplement the program in the facility
Assist in training DJJ staff and ensuring the animals and
youth are interacting in a safe manner
Assist in evaluating the temperament of potential dogs for
the program
Oversee the implementation of new programs and growth
of existing programs
Evaluate program effectiveness
Advise on best practices and assist with identifying and
implementing beneficial programs
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Expected Outcomes
 The youth will learn to use positive reinforcement to achieve
positive results through training their canine partners
 Good behavior will increase among the youth who want to
participate and remain in the dog program
 Depression will decrease among the youth in the program.
 The youth will develop a sense of responsibility through caring
for their canine partner.
 The youth will develop group and interpersonal skills through
training as a team.
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Expected Outcomes
 The youth will repay their community through training
homeless pets and assisting in making them adoptable.
 The youth will learn about animal care, rescue, training, and
adoption.
 The youth will see the positive result of their contribution when
the animals graduate the program and are adopted.
 The DJJ will provide a service to the community by housing the
homeless pets at their facility.
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Community Partnership Programs
 The Humane Society of the United States(HSUS) Pets for Life
Program
 Youth required to complete community service hours will
partner with their outreach program. They will learn about
animal care and the HSUS outreach efforts that provide
veterinary care in low income neighborhoods.
 Lifeline Animal Project – Dog House Building
 Youth at YDC locations with wood shops will build dog
houses to donate to Lifeline Animal Project for their
outreach efforts.
 Lifeline will explain their efforts in low income
neighborhoods to the youth and follow up with success
stories after the houses are delivered.
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Contacts
Chrissy Kaczynski
Animal Programs Coordinator
Christine.Kaczynski@djj.state.ga.us
(470) 230-9308
3408 Covington Highway
Decatur, GA 30032
www.djj.state.ga.us
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