Dogs helping kids called to testify in Pennsylvania county

A courthouse in eastern Pennsylvania is among the first in the state to use dogs to help children feel safe and relaxed before they testify.

The Delaware County courts are partnering with Paws for People, a Newark, Delaware therapy dog program.

Eight pet therapy teams consisting of a dog and their human handler will come to the courthouse in Media for Juvenile Court hearings each Tuesday and Wednesday.

The dogs will be available to soothe children, especially younger children, who may be frightened or nervous about appearing in court for custody proceedings and other matters.

Juvenile Court Judge Nathaniel Nichols says he hopes the “canine therapy teams will help children, their families, and others involved in cases be calm and overcome their fears.”