Abstract
Children with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) are arguably one of the highest at-risk groups for dropping out before graduating high school. They are the group of students with disabilities who are most likely to be educated in residential facilities. Residential facilities such as Green Chimneys have incorporated animals into the treatment milieu with success. Animals have been used in various settings to improve the quality of life as well as the emotional and physical needs of people served by these facilities. This article describes the requirements for using animals in residential treatment, the limitations of such programs, and the research findings for the use of animal-assisted therapy or activities (AAT/AAA). Using Gardner’s (1999) iteration of his theory of multiple intelligence, the authors proposed an understanding of how these treatments might be improve the intelligence of a child with EBD. Requirements for effective treatment of special needs children were discussed.
Recommended Citation
Thigpen, Sally E.; Ellis, Stephanie K.; and Smith, Rebecca G.
(2018)
"Special Education in Juvenile Residential Facilities: Can Animals Help?,"
Essays in Education: Vol. 14:
Iss.
1, Article 20.
Available at:
https://openriver.winona.edu/eie/vol14/iss1/20
Unique Identifier
WSUEIE2005SUthigpen
