A Review of Canine-Assisted Interventions for Youth Involved in the Criminal Justice System

Renata Roma (), Laleh Dadgardoust, Carolyn Doi, Colleen Anne Dell and Ghazal Mousavian
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Renata Roma: Department of Sociology & School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E8, Canada
Laleh Dadgardoust: Department of Sociology & School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E8, Canada
Carolyn Doi: University Library, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E8, Canada
Colleen Anne Dell: Department of Sociology & School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E8, Canada
Ghazal Mousavian: Department of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E8, Canada

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: Given the complex risk factors associated with youth offending, a comprehensive approach is needed to support the reintegration of incarcerated youth. Canine-assisted interventions (CAIs), involving structured, facilitator-guided programs with dogs, have emerged as a strategy to promote human well-being while sometimes attending to animal wellness. This scoping review, conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, examines the characteristics and benefits of CAIs for youth aged 12–17 involved in the criminal justice system. This review included studies published in English through 2024, focusing exclusively on dog-based interventions. Studies were sourced from databases and grey literature between 1998 and 2020. This review maps program designs, objectives, participant profiles, practitioner qualifications, dog roles, and reported outcomes for the youth participants and dogs. Findings reveal that some studies reported improved participant behavioural, psychological, and social outcomes, while few found no significant differences or noted symptom worsening. Some studies noted that training dogs in a CAI may boost their chances of adoption. Gaps include non-standardized terminology, need for more research, inadequate handler training, and insufficient focus on animal welfare. The study concludes that standardized protocols, enhanced handler training, and rigorous program evaluation are essential for ethical and effective CAI implementation that contributes to the well-being and successful reintegration of youth following incarceration.

Keywords: canine-assisted interventions; justice-involved youth; justice system; animal-assisted services; social reintegration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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