Courthouse Companionship

Dependency Court Program

Our Dogs Calm Children So They Can Articulate Their Circumstances To The Judge

Upon learning that well-trained therapy dogs can be a benefit to stressed children, the Honorable Robert J. Mellon, Bucks County Dependency Court, invited Roxy™ Therapy Dogs to set up a pilot program for his courtroom. Today, 37 Roxy therapy teams visit Bucks County Dependency Court sessions for children who are victims of abuse or neglect. The pilot program was Pennsylvania’s first and has given rise to additional therapy dog programs operating in 80% of county courthouses in Pennsylvania.

Often, these children are removed from their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Their next stop is testifying before a judge and recounting their home situation. This is where Roxy Therapy Dogs comes in.

Our dogs, literally standing by a child's side, provide calm and stability at a scary time.

Interested in volunteering? Learn more ➜

“The mere presence of the dogs dramatically decreases anxiety in everyone involved in Dependency Court.”

—The Honorable Robert J. Mellon

Judge Mellon with his portrait, which includes a plush Roxy dog.

This video, produced by the Pennsylvania Courts, explains the benefits of having comfort dogs in the courtroom for children and families. Watch for our Roxy dogs in the orange vests!

Courthouse Companionship

Benefits to Children

Lower blood pressure
Slower, eased breathing
Lower anxiety
Sense of companionship or not being alone
Better ability to focus

Location

Bucks County Justice Center, Doylestown, PA

Director

Melissa D’Amato, Director of Courthouse Companionship Program

Victims of Violent Crime

Roxy Therapy Dogs provides great comfort to children who have been victims of violent crimes. Sadly, their attacker is often someone they know — even a family member — which makes their appearance in court even more stressful.

Our teams receive special training and certification through NOVA (Network of Victims Assistance) to support these fragile children under challenging circumstances. This program was implemented through a partnership between Roxy Therapy Dogs and the Bucks County District Attorney’s office, and provides irreplaceable comfort for children navigating the judicial system. These specialized teams are on call if/when they are needed and work in one-hour shifts in a “safe room” during trials, ensuring that children remain calm and, to an extent, distracted while they wait for their turn to testify before the judge and jury.

Courthouse Program Fast Fact: Roxy Puppies!

Roxy Puppies are an important part of this program. These little stuffed dogs are a take-home reminder to children of the comfort a therapy dog provided in the courthouse. For some children, this will be their only personal possession as they proceed through housing placements.

These puppies are funded by the Bucks County Bar Association.

Courthouse Companionship

Volunteer Story

by Joy Nash

Judge Yeager asked us to come into the courtroom. Of course, I don't know the details of the court case, but it had to do with a young teen who was living in a group home after having spent some time in a hospital for mental health care.

It was a very sad situation, as neither the child's mother's nor the father's family were currently considered suitable caretakers for this teenager.

The Judge invited Nacho and me into his chambers, where he had a long talk with the teen, listening carefully to all they had to say and reassuring them that things would work out.

For the entire time, Nacho cuddled up on the chair with the teen, who held on to Nacho as if he were a lifeline. Probably, in that moment, he was.

We stayed with the teen in the courtroom and afterward in the hallway while the hearing continued. All told we were with the teen for about 2-1/2 hours rather than the 1 hour we are usually there.

Afterward, Judge Yeager was nice enough to call me to thank me for the support Nacho provided this teenager, who is dealing with a situation no young person should have to face.

Due to privacy concerns, actors were used in this video to represent children at the courthouse.

Courthouse Companionship FAQs

Public parking is available at the Union Street Garage. The cost of parking there will be $1 per hour. You can also park on the street where there is metered parking.
No, photos are not permitted.
Yes, however, you must also hold the leash and have complete control.
One of the judges' tipstaff will let you know if you and your dog are going to accompany a child into the courtroom. They also escort you into the courtroom and direct you.
Email the Director of Courthouse Companionship, Melissa D’Amato.
The 15th of each month, depending on the court's schedule. Teams are advised to check their email on a regular basis.
No, please email Melissa D’Amato, and she will find a sub.
Refer to the Bucks County Courthouse website. There will be a banner at the top with information on delayed opening or closure. However, use your best judgment. If you are not comfortable driving, don’t.
For liability purposes, people cannot accompany our teams on visits. For more information, refer them to Volunteer With A Dog.