BARK Diversion Program for people at risk of harming or neglecting animals.
Blending my experience working with people who have committed violent crimes and my love for animals, I pursued and completed training in the BARK (Behavior, Accountability, Responsibility, Knowledge) Diversion Program, created by Dr. Kenneth Shapiro and Dr. Kimberly Spanjol. This is a program for people who have perpetrated animal abuse or neglect and are at high risk of doing so again. This program can be used to treat people who have maliciously harmed, hoarded, neglected animals, and/or have recklessly disregarded the safety of animals. The program is 8-12 weeks long and can be delivered in group or individual settings. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including a comprehensive assessment of risk factors, identifying and working through denial, empathy, perspective-taking, and anger management skills. Currently, services are only for adults, and programming for children will be coming soon.
BARK programming is available on via telehealth only.
Do you or someone you know need help treating animals safely? Reach out now.