Certified Animal-Assisted Specialist, Daynamic Strategies
Dayna is a highly experienced special needs trainer and USA-registered Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist.
She has spent over 15 years working directly with children and families with special needs children. As the mother of a 21-year-old autistic boy, she brings a rare and deeply authentic lived experience of navigating disability services, safeguarding plans, and advocacy within the care system. In her presentation, Dayna will combine evidence-based practice with compassionate, real-world insight into how animal-assisted therapy can safely lower barriers to disclosure, reduce re-traumatisation, and strengthen protective factors for neurodivergent and traumatised children.
“Protecting Paws” - Harnessing Animal-Assisted Therapy to Enhance Child Safeguarding and Recovery from Abuse
The 50-minute workshop will explore the intersection of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and child protection safeguarding, highlighting how therapy animals can support vulnerable children in overcoming trauma, building trust, and facilitating disclosure in safe environments.
Outline of topic coverage:
- Introduction
- Background on AAT and its role in child protection
- Benefits and evidence from case studies
- Challenges, best practices, and safeguarding considerations
- Conclusion with quick Q&A