"A key element of the Sanctuary Model of trauma-informed treatment used in OCFS juvenile justice facilities is the safety plan. Residents wear small cards around their necks containing personalized suggestions of ways to manage their emotions. The safety plans are personal strategies that each youth develops to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The staff at Industry Residential Center is now letting students in the Education and Vocational Program use farm animals in their safety plans. A "time-out with animals" is often a good way for some residents to find peace and calm when they are feeling angry, vulnerable, or unfocused. Additionally, some residents who have had trouble sitting through classes can now be rewarded with one-on-one time with the animals if they attend classes and participate during the school day.

The youth at Industry interact with chickens and piglets, and over time, develop relationships and trust with the animals. Many residents say they look forward to spending time with the animals, and even volunteer to do the dirty jobs, like cleaning up the pens and chicken coop. Staff members say that long-term goals of this system are to inspire the youth to actively participate in class, and to teach residents how to care and provide for animals, which carries over into their relationships with other youth and adults.

Youth at Taberg are also able to choose to spend time with an animal as part of their safety plans. The facility recently adopted Gizmo, a one-year-old Rat Terrier, from a local animal shelter. Petting Gizmo is a popular safety plan item, often at the top of residents' lists. Like the youth, Gizmo wears his own safety plan around his neck. It contains a picture of a bone."