The McHenry County Circuit Court announced its newest four-legged employee, a comfort support dog, who officials say will foster a supportive and comforting atmosphere.
The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court said Tuesday afternoon that Honey the canine is its newest employee at the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center in Woodstock.
Honey, a Golden Retriever, was purchased from Sunset Goldens in Villa Park to assist in alleviating stress and promoting a calming environment within the court.
She will be undergoing training as a certified service animal with the Masonic Association of Service and Therapy Dogs (M.A.S.T).
Honey will be available throughout various offices, hallways and courtrooms of the courthouse to provide emotional support to members of the public, employees and attorneys.
“Honey is a very welcome addition to our court family,” Chief Judge Michael Chmiel said.
“The concept arrived a few years ago, and in learning what was happening in other judicial circuits with the involvement of facility dogs, the time seemed right to move forward with our new teammate,” Chmiel said.
The initiative reflects the growing trend of integrating facility dogs into court systems nationwide.
Court officials say that having a facility dog present is a “worthwhile endeavor to foster a more supportive and comforting atmosphere.”
Courthouses are often emotionally intense environments where individuals experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
Court officials say research suggests that animals have therapeutic benefits for a variety of physical and psychological challenges and have positive effects on a wide range of psychological outcomes, including reductions in anger, anxiety, depression and general distress.
The presence of a facility dog in courtrooms has also been shown to help witnesses, particularly children and victims of trauma, feel more at ease during difficult testimonies, court officials said.
“While this is not a new idea, it is one we believe is highly beneficial for everyone involved in the judicial process,” said Dan Wallis, Trial Court Administrator of the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
“We are committed to making our courtrooms and judicial center a supportive environment, and we believe Honey will make a significant positive impact. She already has. Courts are a stressful place, and no one wants to come to court, so this project is meant as a way to make the court process just a little better,” Willis said.