IN-SCHOOL / COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Dogs are a really effective means of engaging young people in conversation and positive interaction. Young people who are disengaged from their learning, and at risk of disengaging from school altogether, can benefit from an environment within which they can discuss their individual barriers to learning and explore strategies to overcome them.
 
WAGS is also a way of gaining greater insight into a student’s thought patterns and underlying therapeutic needs.  WAGS can provide a whole new data set on which to base decisions relative to a student’s level of engagement.

OUT OF HOME CARE

WAGS works alongside Family and Community Services and many NGO's providing Out of Home Care services to young people of all ages. These sessions provide young people in care a safe forum to talk about their unique challenges. 

WAGS has been instrumental in protecting and prolonging placements, providing effective therapeutic services to otherwise over-serviced and disengaged young people and assisting young people to advocate for their needs.

Running the group on a school oval is a great way to engage students who are either disengaged from the classroom or not attending school at all.

​Working on the school oval is a great way to familiarise students with the school grounds without the pressure of being in a classroom with peers. ​

Students engaged in the program should be encouraged to come regardless of their record of behaviour.  If the sessions with dogs are used as a bargaining chip not only does the student miss out on support when they are most in need of it, but they are also less likely to engage deeply with the activity over the long term. 

STAFF TRAINING

The benefits of the WAGS program are maximised when teaching and support staff are familiar with and supportive of the program. A training session with teaching staff is not only a valuable and enlightening team building exercise, it is also a powerful professional development activity.

WAGS staff training is highly recommended before commencing WAGS in your school or organisation. However many community organisations have given WAGS high praise as a one-off staff training session even where we are not working with their young people yet.

​Get in touch if you believe your team could benefit from our tailored training offerings and we will provide you a tailored quote. 

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