May 23, 2019
The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) has received a 2019 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). NACo recognized DACC in the category for Community and Economic Development in response to the DACC submittal for the program titled “Pawsitive Steps.”
Pawsitive Steps program is an innovative eight-week program that emphasizes the importance of the human-animal bond and its impact on both emotional and mental well-being. The first-of-its-kind approach teaches probation youth new skills pertaining to animal care, as well as an appreciation and an understanding of animal behavior. Pawsitive Steps program is a collaboration between the Los Angeles County Departments of Animal Care and Control (DACC), Probation, Mental Health, and Public Health, the Los Angeles County Office of Education and Juvenile Court Health Services. The program pairs kittens in need of foster homes with probation youth to care for them. The youth provide kittens with the nurturing they need until each kitten (and youth) has graduated from the program. At that time, a forever home can be found for the kitten.
The Department of Animal Care and Control thanks NACo for recognizing this LA County collaboration to provide a life-saving program”, says DACC Director Marcia Mayeda. “The Pawsitive Steps program saves the lives of vulnerable kittens while teaching valuable skills to young women in an educational and supportive environment.”
NACo’s annual Achievement Award Program is designed to acknowledge innovative county government programs. NACo President Roy Charles Brooks said, “Counties seize opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and build stronger communities every day. Achievement Award-winning programs are examples for counties that are determined to enhance services for our residents.”