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To make a to help Prison PAALS please click on the button below.
PAALS is grateful for the inmates at Kershaw Prison who give their
hearts and time to give back to make a difference. We are especially
thankful to Warden Reynolds, Associate Warden McKay and all
of their staff for their dedication to Prison PAALS. Please remember
all of these souls this holiday season. The dogs in training through
PAALS program are on their way to helping one of our clients in need.
PAAL partnered with Kershaw Correctional Institute in February of 2009.
In March 2009 three Labrador retrievers were placed with inmates to be raised
and trained as assistance dogs. A fourth dog was added a few months later due
to success of
program and increased interest by inmates.
Frequently asked questions: How are inmates chosen for the PAALS program?
Staff members initially screen interested inmates at each facility. Each must meet certain criteria in their overall behavior and job records. Potential inmate handlers chosen are usually model inmates. PAALS puppy program staff then interview all candidates and make final selections for participants in the program.
What kinds of puppies are in the prison programs?
The Labrador retriever is the primary breed that is trained in the prison program. PAALS also occasionally trains labradoodles, and rescue mixes that may also be placed in the prison program.
Where do the pupplies live?
Each puppy is matched up with a primary handler and a backup handler. The puppy lives with both handlers. A crate is provided so that the handler scan set up a sleeping area within his room. Although inmates sleeping quarters arereferred to as "cells", they are more similar to college dormitories. Puppies spend most of their time with the primary and backup handler. This means that they go along with them to programs, classes, and recreation areas. The only time actually spent in the room with the inmate is usually at night or for scheduled count times when inmates are required to be in their room. Some inmates hold part-time jobs in addition to participating in the program but most participants in the program are not required to work due to the demands of raising a puppy. Occasionally the puppy may go along with the handler to work or be taken care of by a backup handler until his/her handler returns from their job.
What sort of training do inmates receive ?
PAALS trainers visit each prison program twice a week to conduct a two-hour class for the inmates in the program. Here the inmates learn how to teach their puppy basic obedience and service dog tasks. In addition they learn how to groom and properly care for their puppy, basic first aid and canine health. The trainer assesses every puppy each week, making training recommendations and homework for the handler for the upcoming week.
How do the puppies receive adequate socialization within the prison environment?
Handlers are required to provide socialization around the facility by bringing their puppy with them whenever possible. Whether they are going to a medical appointment, to a class, or to the visiting room, the puppy is usually going to be right by their handler's side. This way they are constantly getting exposed to as many new people and sights and sounds as possible.
How do the puppies get experience to things like car rides, traffic, bus stations, malls, homes, etc?
Obviously there are things that the handlers cannot expose their puppies to things outside the confines of prison. In order for the puppies to develop normally and get used to things out in the world, volunteers help out in this department. These weekend puppy raisers trained in socialization skills by PAALS, are assigned to a puppy for the year that they are in the prison program. Each volunteer picks up his/her puppy on Friday night and brings them back on Sunday night or Monday morning. Puppies spend their weekends in home environments and following the volunteers' routine around town.
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