U.S. Attorney’s Office Partners with Judi’s Place for Kids for Therapy Dog to Support Crime Victims and Witnesses

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky has partnered with Judi's Place for Kids, a children's advocacy center, headquartered in Pikeville, Ky., for use of their certified facility dog throughout the district.

A highly trained facility dog used in proper circumstances can reduce the stress experienced by victims and witnesses, foster connections with the prosecution team, encourage communication, and inspire a sense of trust.

Leslee is the Facility Dog for Judi's Place. Leslee or "Les" has been serving with Judi's Place for the past seven years. Les's role is to support the children at their office and in judicial proceedings. This involves cuddling with children before and after therapy sessions, walking them to their sessions, and accompanying children as they testify in court. Les also attends many education and community events for Judi's Place. Les knows over 50 commands. Before coming to Judi's Place, Leslee trained for two years to become certified through Canine Companions.

"Protecting children and pursuing those who exploit them remains a top priority for our Office," said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "This partnership with Judi's Place for Kids enhances our ability to support victims in a trauma-informed way, strengthening our cases and our commitment to justice. During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we are proud to take this step forward in better serving our communities."

"Leslee and Judi's Place for Kids are honored for a chance to serve even more children and victims throughout the Commonwealth," said Judi's Place for Kids. "We cannot wait to show the difference a canine can make in the life of child victim."

Judi's Place for Kids - a bright solution for abused children - is a community working together promoting safety and justice, offering hope and healing so that all may thrive and reach their full potential. Judi's Place is a non-profit established in 1999 with locations in Pikeville and Prestonsburg, serving Pike, Floyd, Johnson, Martin, and Magoffin Counties in eastern Kentucky. Judi's Place for Kids provides two programs: accredited children's advocacy center services and CASA (court-appointed special advocates) of Eastern Kentucky.

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