Court Support Program

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Our Purpose

The Nepean Therapy Dogs Court Program is designed to support people who may experience high levels of anxiety when preparing for or giving evidence in court. Working alongside psychologists and support teams, our trained therapy dogs help clients feel calmer, safer, and more confident throughout the legal process.
 

We aim to reduce emotional stress and help clients focus by providing comfort, connection, and a sense of security—especially during the most challenging moments of giving testimony.

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How It Works

Our therapy dog teams work closely with the client’s psychologist, social worker, and family to prepare the client emotionally for court. The dogs help calm nerves, reduce feelings of embarrassment or fear, and support the client during evidence giving.
 

We welcome clients and their support teams to our secure Therapy Dog Centre in Penrith, or we can visit the client’s location where possible. Clients meet and bond with the dogs in advance to build trust and comfort before the court date.

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Our Approach
 

Many clients we support have emotional or cognitive challenges that lead to “stuck points”—moments when overwhelming thoughts or emotions make communication difficult. Our therapy dogs act as calming companions, helping to break these cycles and redirect attention when emotions escalate.
 

Handlers guide the dog and support the session, while the therapist focuses on the client. Handlers do not offer therapy themselves but play an essential role in facilitating a positive experience with the dog.

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What Makes Our Dogs Special

Our therapy dogs are calm, friendly, and well-trained. They are selected for their gentle nature and ability to stay relaxed in stressful environments. Common breeds in the program include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cavaliers, and Poodles.
 

We do not use dogs that may be perceived as aggressive (e.g. Staffies, Rottweilers, or Pit Bulls), in line with our insurance policy and public safety guidelines.
 

All dogs are handled by trained volunteers who have completed Working with Children and National Police Checks, as well as our specialised court training program.

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Real Impact: A Case Example

Client: 11-year-old child, victim of possible sexual abuse

Referred by the Witness Assistance Officer, the client visited our centre to meet several therapy dogs and selected a few favourites. Over multiple visits with their psychologist and family, the client built a strong bond with one dog. During the court hearing, this connection helped the child stay calm, communicate clearly, and feel supported throughout the process.

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Cost and Availability

The Court Support Program is completely free and is offered as a community service. There is no requirement or expectation to donate. Donations do not influence dog selection or availability—we simply aim to match each client with the best therapy dog team based on their needs.
 

Due to high demand and limited resources, all clients and sites must be pre-approved by our risk assessment team.

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Booking with Us

If you or someone you support could benefit from a therapy dog in court, please complete the form below.

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