HUSCAN

Creating safe spaces with our therapy dogs.

This programme began at the end of 2021 and continues today.

The HUSCAN project is one of the interventions that are part of Barnahus, an integrated unit promoted by the DGAIA in which different professionals coordinate to work comprehensively with children and adolescents, who are victims of sexual abuse, with the aim of needing them to testify only once. In this way, minors are prevented from having to travel to different departments (police, judicial, forensic, etc.), and only have to relate their experience once, thus minimising their suffering and avoiding their re-victimisation. They and their families receive psychological support and guidance throughout the process.

helper dogs

219

children and adolescents have benefited

HUSCAN programmes in Tarragona, Manresa, Granollers, Badalona and soon in Mataró

Why we created this programme

The objective of the initiative is to improve the communication of children and adolescents with the psychosocial experts involved in this type of process, and to reduce their levels of stress and anxiety.

Through the HUSCAN programme, dogs act as emotional support during exploratory interviews and accompaniment of minors, as well as improving communication with attendees and reducing their anxiety. The role of the dogs is fundamental, since their participation is intended to create an intimate and safe environment where children and adolescents can feel confident, and which facilitates collaboration and complicity with the DGAIA experts.

This programme is conducted together with psychologists at the unit, with our experts working alongside them during the session.

How the programme works

What are the programme’s objectives?

To reduce levels of stress and anxiety
To express and recognise emotions
To work on fears
Self-esteem
To improve communication