SCAS Code of Practice: Moving Towards a UK Consensus for Minimum Standards in Animal Assisted Interventions
Together with past SCAS Trustee, Vangelis Diamantakos, Liz Omerod (SCAS Chairman) will lead a 3-hour workshop, advocating for minimum global standards in Animal Assisted Services at the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) Conference at Hartpury University, UK (28-30 June, 2024). Joined by invited speakers, Prof Marie Jose Enders Slegers, Dr Anne McBride, Tim Stafford and Seline Gibson, the workshop includes breakout groups in which delegates will share their views and experiences. The information collated during the workshop will be considered for inclusion in updating the SCAS Code of Practice.
10:00am-12:30pm Sunday, 30 June, 2024
Abstract
Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) programmes have operated for more than four decades in the UK. With growing awareness that many potential benefits can accrue from the presence of animals in health and social care facilities, as well as educational establishments we are experiencing an exponential growth of programmes involving visiting and/or resident animals. Additionally, companies and professionals are increasingly offering AAI services to clients at their own locations or in private practices. However, those implementing such programmes may not always fully understand the need for these to be meticulously planned utilising a transdisciplinary approach to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to safeguard animal welfare.
The SCAS Code of Practice in AAI was initially published in 2013 and revised in 2019. It serves as a guide for professionals, patients, and the public, outlining crucial steps to achieve best practices. The Code encourages interdisciplinary collaboration within the caring professions – including veterinary medicine and ethology – for planning, developing, and maintaining programmes, as well as fostering collaboration between practitioners and researchers to document outcomes. This collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of AAI programmes.
Learning Outcomes & Associated Activities
The panel of speakers will:
a. Discuss the SCAS Code of Practise with emphasis on the key elements.
b. Emphasise the necessity for recognition, qualification, and registration in AAIs
c. Educate delegates on the pivotal role of establishing standards for animal selection/suitability and welfare in AAIs.
d. Delve into the significance of adhering to specific procedures in both human and animal training and assessment.
e. Define the psychological and safeguarding needs of human participants (both professionals and beneficiaries) in AAIs.
Engagement
The speakers will deliver Power Point Presentations.
Delegates will have the opportunity to raise any areas of their concerns about AAIs during the Q&A session.
As part of this workshop, delegates will engage in an activity designed to assist SCAS in collecting valuable information and filtering ideas from experts, professionals, and the public. This input will inform the future update of the Code as it is a living document.
Participants will be split into groups. Each group will review certain topics in the SCAS Code of practice and suggest further additions, changes or explanations. The groups will be supported by the speakers. Each group will present their suggestions via SLIDO/PADLET. At the end, each delegate will complete a postcard detailing their new insights acquired during the workshop and how this might change their practice.