DJJ Cares: Rescued Graduation at the Colwell PDC

Recently, DJJ’s Office of Classification and Transportation Services (OCATS) Director Lisa Casey Bryson was honored to be the keynote speaker for the Rescued Program at the Department of Corrections Colwell Probation Detention Center (Colwell PDC) in Blairsville. Seven detainees of the Colwell PDC graduated from the Rescued Program with six of the training dogs adopted following the graduation program.

The Rescued Program is a joint effort of the Colwell PDC, Mountain Shelter and Castoff Pet Rescue to help find adoptive homes for dogs that would otherwise be euthanized. During the 12-week program, dogs are professionally trained by detainees who are participating in programs focused on substance abuse recovery, dog grooming, anger management, money management, job interview readiness and other life skill training. The Rescued Program began in 2012 and this was the 22nd class to graduate from the program.

Detainees selected to be a part of this program undergo an extensive selection process including writing an essay, passing a thorough background check, and facing an interview board that consists of but is not limited to the Superintendent, lieutenant and recent graduates.

DJJ congratulates Director Bryson for her participation in this great program and encourages everyone to learn more about DJJ’s own Rescue 2 Restore program at https://djj.georgia.gov/rescue-2-restore-animal-program.  For more information about the Rescued Program, visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Rescued-Program-527436114104038/ .