There’s a New Dog in Town at the Lancaster County Courthouse
Harrisburg, PA, June 20, 2014 /3BL Media/ - On June 26, the Lancaster County Courthouse will be welcoming their newest employee to the building, SSD Hamlet. The Courthouse is getting SSD Hamlet from Susquehanna Service Dogs in Harrisburg.
SSD Hamlet will be assisting in the Lancaster County Veterans, Mental Health, and Drug Treatment Courts. These courts are designed to rehabilitate individuals involved in the criminal justice system by addressing specific treatment needs. Many of the Veterans Court participants are experiencing PTSD, while Mental Health Court participants have a variety of diagnoses, including bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. SSD Hamlet will help to reduce anxiety and tension for the participants during treatment court sessions and appointments with their probation officers. When not in court, SSD Hamlet will be living with one of his two handlers, Teri Miller-Landon and Karen Andreadis, both employees of the Lancaster County Courts.
SSD Hamlet will be officially introduced on Thursday, June 26 at 1:30 p.m., and Susquehanna Service Dogs is extending an invitation to participate in this event. Individuals planning to attend should RSVP to Kerry Wevodau at 717-497-4430, so they can be escorted to the courtroom.
SSD Hamlet is the second Treatment Court dog placed by Susquehanna Service Dogs. SSD Buster was placed in the York County Courthouse in June 2013. Susquehanna Service Dogs places about 15-20 dogs each year. Service dogs are trained to assist children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, psychiatric disabilities, and autism. Each dog received individualized training, depending on the unique needs of their partner.
With the assistance of a service dog, balance dog, hearing dog, facility dog, companion dog, or in-home service dog, individuals can lead more independent lives. These dogs may reduce or eliminate their partners’ reliance on adaptive equipment and can enhance their partners’ ability to move about in public places by performing tasks that may otherwise have hindered their partners’ movement or required human assistance. Individuals are able to increase their interaction with other people and their environment.
Susquehanna Service Dogs, a program of Keystone Human Services Children and Family Services, trains and provides service dogs for children and adults with disabilities. These service dogs assist children and adults to become more independent and lead full, rich lives in the community.
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A copy of the official registration and financial information for Keystone Human Services Children & Family Services and Keystone Partnership may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
