HERO - Alabama's Courthouse Facility Dog Program

30/08/2024

28/04/2024

17/04/2024

Tomorrow afternoon at 5 p.m. we will be in Bibb County, planting the annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Pinwheel Garden. We are truly honored to stand alongside dedicated individuals who tirelessly care for these children in their greatest time of need. Each pinwheel we plant is a powerful symbol of hope and healing for the innocent souls affected by child abuse. Join us as we pay tribute to every child who was involved in an investigation last year. Let the colorful whirl of pinwheels remind us that together, we can make a difference for those who need it most.

17/04/2024

Earlier today, the jury returned a verdict of guilty to four counts of capital murder against the Defendant, Jeremy Williams. Williams was charged with capital murder of a child under 14, capital murder during the course of so**my first, capital murder during the course of kidnapping first, and capital murder during the course of r**e first. The victim, Kamarie Holland, was five years old on December 13, 2021 when Williams kidnapped her, s*xually abused and tortured her and killed her. He previously entered a plea of guilty to human trafficking which was based upon his agreement with the child’s mother, Kristy Siple, to pay her $2,500 in exchange for s*xual acts with the child.

The cases were prosecuted by the District Attorney, Rick Chancey, and ADA Malory Hatfield. The Defendant previously entered a guilty plea as to all four charges; however, under Alabama law, a jury must find the Defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Jury selection began on Monday and the jury reached the verdict shortly after lunch today.

The DA’s office thanks the jurors for their service, including the three alternates who were not involved in the deliberation process, as this case was very disturbing and difficult for them because of the audio and video evidence of the crimes found on the Defendant’s phone.

Sgt. Brad Evans led the investigative team for the Russell County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you to all law enforcement, including the RCSO and Columbus Police Department, who worked tirelessly to try to find Kamarie and to solving this case. The investigation and prosecution of this case were extremely difficult for all due to the graphic and disturbing evidence.

The DA would also like to thank JoJo, a faculty dog from the Alabama Courthouse Hero Program, and her handler, who assisted in providing emotional support during this trial.

The sentencing phase will commence on Monday, April 15, 2024 before Honorable David Johnson.

25/03/2024

Our four-legged coworkers work hard every day to help victims across Alabama!

Check out this news story about our HERO program!

A program in Alabama is providing dogs to help ease the anxiety of individuals appearing in court.

01/03/2024

🐸 Leaping thru February! Bring on some spring fun! 🌸 💙🌸

08/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/azH1Wk51C1qe8x1b/?mibextid=WC7FNe

🦋Behind the Wings🦋

While Yahini's friend took a bathroom break....she took a stretch break! Therapy sessions are always better with Yahini!

"One of the key benefits of incorporating facility dogs into child advocacy centers is the positive impact they have on the emotional well-being of children. The presence of a friendly and non-judgmental dog can help alleviate anxiety, fear, and stress that children may experience when discussing sensitive or traumatic events. The calming effect of these dogs can create a more conducive environment for effective communication and disclosure."
Learn more about facility dogs and they work they do in child advocacy centers by reading our blog: https://www.butterflybridgecac.org/news-events/newsroom.html/article/2024/01/29/unleashing-hope-the-impact-of-courthouse-facility-dogs-in-child-advocacy-centers?

07/02/2024

Happy 7th birthday to facility dog Wilson. Wilson works at the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL.

Facility dog Wilson

07/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/U7NUsiSmDvBMr1Nq/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Unleashing Hope: The Impact of Courthouse Facility Dogs in Child Advocacy Centers

Using a facility dog in child advocacy center is a powerful and innovative approach to providing support and comfort to children who have experienced trauma. These specially trained companions bring a unique set of benefits that significantly contribute to the well-being and healing of young victims.
Read more...
https://www.butterflybridgecac.org/news-events/newsroom.html/article/2024/01/29/unleashing-hope-the-impact-of-courthouse-facility-dogs-in-child-advocacy-centers

13/01/2024

We are thankful to Josette (JoJo) for the comfort she provided the victims and witnesses before, during, and after their trial testimony. We are also proud of her handler, Madison Grantham, who was the lead prosecutor in the case. They make a great team.

A Lee County Jury has found Willie Charles Hutchinson guilty of two counts of a school employee engaging in s*xual in*******se or so**my with a student under the age of 19 years.

Employees with the Auburn City School system immediately reported Hutchinson to the Auburn Public Safety - Police & Fire when they discovered evidence to indicate Hutchinson, a teacher and coach, was having s*x with a student. Detective Chelsea Williams was assigned to investigate the case. Detective Williams collected evidence and witness statements, which resulted in criminal charges against Hutchinson.

Assistant District Attorney Madison Grantham led the prosecution of the case against Hutchinson. Mrs. Grantham showed the jury through testimony of witnesses and the victim that on two separate occasions Hutchinson engaged in a s*x act with an Auburn High School student on school property.

A special thank you to Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Cathey Berardi for her substantial pre-trial preparation on the case. Also, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Allison Kennedy provided important medical testimony to the jury.

Engaging in a s*x act with a student is a Class B felony and requires lifetime registration as a s*x offender upon conviction. Sentencing is set for February 20th in front of Circuit Judge Jeff Tickal.

12/01/2024

Happy 4th birthday to Facility Dog, Georgia. Georgia and her handler Renee work in the Jefferson County area of Alabama. Happy birthday sweet girl!

02/01/2024

Not only is it New Years Day, it’s also facility dog Yahini’s 5th birthday. Yahini a/k/a Yaya works hard serving victims in central Alabama. Happy Birthday, Yahini.

01/01/2024

Happy 7th birthday to Facility Dog Josette. Josette works hard serving victims in Lee County as well as other counties in the state.

26/12/2023

The facility dogs and their handlers hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

19/10/2023

It has been a busy few months, as I know it has been for all of my HERO - Alabama's Courthouse Facility Dog Program partners. I have had the honor of lending my paw to old and new friends in many situations.

This young lady is someone I met in April of 2021 and in August of this year, I laid at her feet as she finished the final leg on her journey to justice. She is strong, courageous, and fearless. She WILL DO GREAT THINGS!

"The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. " – Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

29/09/2023

Canine Companions is at the forefront of the service dog industry. Read about research in collaboration with canine health organizations.

29/09/2023

Learn about the different types of service dogs we provide, how to apply, FAQs and the science that sets Canine Companions apart.

19/08/2023

We recently had our four-legged Heroes learn some new skills, and they are excited to use them to help Alabama's victims! We are so proud of each one of our Heroes and the impact they are making!

The HERO program is a statewide Certified Facility Dog Program to assist victims throughout the criminal process.

19/08/2023

05/08/2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — In 2003, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office saw a need and decided to fill it, establishing the Victims Assistance Unit to help those dealing with the loss and tr…

26/07/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064636308236/posts/663774119120459/?mibextid=cr9u03

We are so excited to offer these court workbooks to children as part of the court preparation process between the CAC and Morgan County District Attorney's Office.

Did you know that Jezebel (along with all of the HERO - Alabama's Courthouse Facility Dog Program dogs) is a courthouse facility dog? This means that in addition to her service and facility dog training, she has had the specialized training required under Willow’s Law to be able to attend court proceedings with victims.

We love the difference Jezebel is making in Morgan County!

19/05/2023

We are so excited about this years Courthouse Dogs conference. It will be a great feeling having us all together in the same location. Check out the 2023 International Courthouse Dogs Conference agenda. We can't wait to see everyone in person!

Eager to Resume Our Work Together! Please join us for our annual conference! Wednesday, Sept. 6th – Friday, Sept. 8th,…

18/05/2023

We are proud of Mandy and her work in the Wiregrass area.

This precious young lady, Caroline, carried one of the Mandy coins to school with her for show and tell. We met Miss Caroline previously and it pleases us that Mandy made such an impact on her.

13/04/2023

It’s National Public Safety Telecommunications Week! This week serves as an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for our 911 Dispatchers. This is a high pressure job that doesn’t get nearly enough praise and recognition!

Today, members of the DA’s office, including Logan, are visiting each of our area 911 offices to say thank you!!

Opelika Police DepartmentLee County Sheriff's Office AlabamaAuburn Public Safety - Police & FireLee County Helping Families Initiative

18/12/2019

KUZCO II

Welcome to the team Kuzco!

Kuzco II is a service trained facility dog at the James M. Barrie Center for Children, Inc. He was specially trained by Canine Companions for Independence and will work with children to provide comfort during forensic interviews and court proceedings.

12/12/2019

Fitzgerald II

It's been a busy week! I was able to travel to Baldwin County on Monday to work with a few special kids. I sat with a brave young lady Tuesday and Wednesday as she testified in court and waited for the verdict in her case. I was also able to work in visiting with a special young lady House this morning. HERO - Alabama's Courthouse Facility Dog Program