The Children's Advocacy Center, which serves DeWitt, McLean and Livingston Counties, recently was the recipient of a specially trained dog that will soon be able to accompany children into court.

Judy Brucker is the Executive Director of the CAC, and explains the black lab, Joch, has been with them for a little while now, though he is not yet joining kids through the judicial process. She says right now he remains in the office, out of the public eye.

Service dogs are a proven help for children who have been through sexual abuse and can help keep them calm in the court room. Brucker also notes, having a service dog for these types of cases is a growing trend across the country.

Brucker indicates Joch is still in the middle of protocol to get introduced to his work place. She says Joch will have an overnight handler and a daytime handler.

Brucker explains Joch spent the first two years of his life in a special training in St. Louis that specializes in training dogs for abuse victims and agencies like the Children's Advocacy Centers.