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School refusal is an increasing issue for schools throughout Australia. In the three years to 2021 there was a 50% increase in the rate of students not attending school in Victoria.
An innovative program called Paw Pals is producing amazing results with young people who are disengaged from learning. With the support of therapy dogs, MacKillop Family Services has supported over 650 kids to get back to education in the five years it has been running.
Starting out in 2018 with one golden Labrador and one facilitator, MacKillop has grown the program to eight facilitators and nine dogs who work across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat.
MacKillop’s Paw Pals program is 100% funded by the community, driven by an annual matched giving day, Paws4Kids, on Thursday 27 April.
This year, Paws4Kids aims to raise $350,000 and all donations made on or before Thursday 27 April will be doubled by matching partners, including The Petspiration Foundation (formerly PETstock Assist), until the target is achieved.
MacKillop Education Director, Anne Henderson, sees the difference Paw Pals makes to school children every day.
MacKillop Education Director, Anne Henderson, sees the difference Paw Pals makes to school children every day.
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| (L to R) Petspiration Foundation's Tilly Coutts, Paw Pal Millie, Milly (student at St James Parish School Sebastopol) & Kath Anderson (Paw Pals facilitator) at the launch of Paw Pals in Ballarat. |
“Finding strategies that encourage kids back to learning is not straightforward. These young people are dealing with issues that can range from problems in their family, living with anxiety, being in out of home care or struggling to go into class after spending a considerable time learning remotely.
“When other tried and tested interventions fail, a therapy dog can be the key to making that special connection with a child.”
Once a child has bonded with a paw pal, they are more open to working with an education facilitator who can help with strategies to boost their confidence and improve their interaction with classmates and teachers,” Ms. Henderson added.
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| Paw Pal Barney |
“Mackillop’s Paw Pals program is such an important initiative, and by doubling every dollar donated to Paws4Kids to help reach their fundraising goal of $350,000, we hope we can make a meaningful difference to the lives of people who need our support to get back into the classroom and continue learning,” Sherralea added.
Paws4Kids matched giving day will take place on Thursday 27 April.
Shiloh and Indie's Story
11-year-old Shiloh’s life was turned upside down last year when her mum was no longer able to care for her and she came to live with her dad, whom she hadn’t seen for close to three years. For a child who craves order and routine, this upheaval increased Shiloh’s anxiety, making it increasingly difficult for her to concentrate at school and engage with her classmates.
When she began working with Indie, a four-year-old black Labrador, and facilitator Sarah, Shiloh was withdrawn and wary of new relationships. She found it difficult to trust or maintain friendships.
Shiloh’s dad, Daegal, says Shiloh started to come out of her shell soon after starting MacKillop’s Paw Pals program.
“It’s amazing how quickly Shiloh responded to the therapy dogs. She learned to understand the dogs’ body language and that they have emotions similar to people. It has really helped her to realise that her feelings are natural and to recognise her triggers.
“Paw Pals is so much more than taking a dog for a walk, although Shiloh loves to do that too,” laughs Daegal.
Shiloh is preparing to move to high school next year and MacKillop’s Paw Pals team are helping her to prepare for the transition and cope with another episode of change in her life.
“Shiloh tells me that Indie is happiest when she is working to a routine and that she likes to know what is going to happen as well, so we stick to our routine as much as possible,” said Daegal.
“We missed out on so much of our relationship when Shiloh was younger, and It’s lovely to see how she has come to trust me and know we have bonded. She is a much happier little girl who is making great friendships and through Paw Pals, she is learning skills that will help her throughout her life and future relationships.”
11-year-old Shiloh’s life was turned upside down last year when her mum was no longer able to care for her and she came to live with her dad, whom she hadn’t seen for close to three years. For a child who craves order and routine, this upheaval increased Shiloh’s anxiety, making it increasingly difficult for her to concentrate at school and engage with her classmates.
When she began working with Indie, a four-year-old black Labrador, and facilitator Sarah, Shiloh was withdrawn and wary of new relationships. She found it difficult to trust or maintain friendships.
Shiloh’s dad, Daegal, says Shiloh started to come out of her shell soon after starting MacKillop’s Paw Pals program.
“It’s amazing how quickly Shiloh responded to the therapy dogs. She learned to understand the dogs’ body language and that they have emotions similar to people. It has really helped her to realise that her feelings are natural and to recognise her triggers.
“Paw Pals is so much more than taking a dog for a walk, although Shiloh loves to do that too,” laughs Daegal.
“Shiloh knows that the dogs have grown to trust her and that she has earned that trust, through being kind to them and caring for them.”“It’s fantastic to see how her confidence has developed and how responsible she is in looking after the dogs, making sure they have water and they are not getting stressed by a situation – it’s a relationship of mutual respect,” Daegal added.
Shiloh is preparing to move to high school next year and MacKillop’s Paw Pals team are helping her to prepare for the transition and cope with another episode of change in her life.
“Shiloh tells me that Indie is happiest when she is working to a routine and that she likes to know what is going to happen as well, so we stick to our routine as much as possible,” said Daegal.
“We missed out on so much of our relationship when Shiloh was younger, and It’s lovely to see how she has come to trust me and know we have bonded. She is a much happier little girl who is making great friendships and through Paw Pals, she is learning skills that will help her throughout her life and future relationships.”
About Paw Pals
✔️ Paw Pals started in 2018 and has supported more than 650 children back to education.
✔️ Paws4Kids takes place on Thursday 27 April 2023
Donations from the public will have 2 x the impact as the amount donated will be doubled by matched givers, to raise $350,000.
✔️ For every $50 donated, Paws4Kids will receive $100 when donations are doubled by partners The Petspiration Foundation (formerly PETstock Assist), the Gaudry Foundation, iCare Staffing and the PawPrints Matching Circle.
Find out more on how to donate here: Paws4Kids
Find out more about MacKillop Family Services at www.mackillop.org.au
About MacKillop Family Services
MacKillop Family Services operates in VIC, NSW, WA, ACT and the NT and has been committed to working with families and communities so children can thrive since 1997.
MacKillop Family Services operates in VIC, NSW, WA, ACT and the NT and has been committed to working with families and communities so children can thrive since 1997.
Find out more about MacKillop Family Services at www.mackillop.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE, 19th April 2023
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