NSW Court Companion Program.

Support and affection for victims of crime attending court in New South Wales.

What is the Canine Court Companion Program?

The Canine Court Companion Program (also referred to as the CCCP) is a community-based initiative by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in partnership with the NSW Government, Department of communities and Justice (Victim Services). The program is designed to support victims of crime and ease the stress of attending court.

Our amazing Therapy Dog Teams attend nominated courthouses four days each week for 90 minutes, between 9am and 12pm. During the sessions, victims of crime can spend time with a specially selected Therapy Dog. Pats and hugs are encouraged; it’s all part of supporting victims of crime to feel more relaxed in a stressful environment!

Therapy Dog Teams offer support in publicly accessible areas of the courthouse, including the foyer and safe room. Therapy Dog Teams may also receive special requests from police or court professionals to assist with people who are especially anxious, or who might benefit from spending time with a Therapy Dog.

What are the benefits?

Interacting with Therapy Dogs is scientifically proven to lower heart rate, increase speech and memory function, and heighten mental clarity.

A recent evaluation of the Program found that ‘96% of engagements with CCCP Therapy Dog Teams were ‘positive’. There’s also plenty of anecdotal evidence supporting their presence! Therapy Dogs have a calming and uplifting effect on victims of crime, as well as court professionals and volunteers, support networks, and the family and friends of people attending court.

Where is the program available?

Therapy Dog Teams currently visit courthouses in:

Manly
Gosford
Sutherland
Burwood
Campbelltown
Orange
Lismore
Goulburn
Nowra
Wagga Wagga
Taree

The Canine Court Companion Program may be offered at more locations in the future.

Volunteer to support the program

If you’d like to find out more about joining our amazing team of volunteers, please download our CCCP Information Booklet. Please note that all applicants must read the CCCP Information Booklet in its entirety before applying.

To apply and join the team, we encourage you to check out current volunteer opportunities.

Alternatively, please reach out with any questions and CCCP Information Booklet request to Naomi at cccp@guidedogs.com.au.