Leroy the Dog Offers Child Abuse Prevention in the Schools and Community
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and during this month Southmountain wants to celebrate Leroy the Dog, our treasured, 4-footed friend! Leroy’s “handler” is Rhonda Robbins, Southmountain’s Victim Advocate; and Leroy was provided and trained by Canine Companions for Independence. Leroy was trained to work with traumatized individuals; and according to Rhonda, he has been an amazing addition to our Children's Advocacy Centers! Leroy is available to help children served by Southmountain’s four Children’s Advocacy Center by assisting in court, counseling, forensic interviews, child medical exams, and victim advocacy.
Leroy’s presence at the Children’s Advocacy Centers has calmed and deescalated children and their non-offending caregivers as child abuse investigations are carried out, during what are usually tense, scary, traumatic situations. Leroy had also made an amazing contribution towards the prevention of child abuse. He has been a “Super Star” in McDowell schools and community where he has helped Rhonda with body safety prevention.
