(Poughkeepsie, NY) –The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) has officially welcomed its newest staff member in its fight against child abuse—a nearly two-year-old golden retriever/yellow Labrador mix named Peace.

Peace, The CPCA’s first full-time facility dog, received his specialized training through Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD) and has a specific skillset that allows him to assist people who have experienced severe trauma or have extreme disabilities. The CPCA plans to use these extensive abilities in sensitive cases of extreme abuse and neglect to provide comfort to child victims disclosing their story and companionship during legal proceedings. He is as calm and gentle as his name reflects and understands more than 50 commands.

“After three years of hard work to make this dream a reality, we are excited to finally have Peace home,” said Kim Haight, Executive Director, The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. “We know from previous experience, that the presence of a facility dog is extremely helpful in putting a child at ease. The children we work with have been through some of the most devastating experiences and having Peace here to provide the support they need at a moment’s notice is such an asset.”

A 2018 study published by the National Institute of Health found that children participating in a forensic interview following allegations of child abuse while accompanied by a facility dog exhibited a significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and other indicators of stress when compared to children interviewing without a service dog present. Peace has already assisted his first child and will be fully integrated into The CPCA by February.

Peace’s arrival at The CPCA was only possible through the generosity of The Dean Family Charitable Foundation; Consigli Construction NY, LLC; and Alexandra Putnam, as well as many other private donations. Peace turns two on February 28th, and if you wish to supply him with treats and support the work he is doing with The CPCA, you can make a gift in his honor here.

About the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse
The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse is a private non-profit that has been dedicated to the reduction of child maltreatment since 1973. Each year, it serves approximately 20,000 children and provides support and education services to more than 3,000 adults. They are the only agency in Dutchess County providing sexual abuse prevention training. Support services help abused children—and educate adults to prevent future abuse.

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35 Van Wagner Road
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
845-454-0595
info@thecpca.org
Monday—Friday 9AM to 5PM