Yolo County Launches Innovative Juvenile Program with Kittens

A new and heartwarming partnership between the Yolo County Probation Department and Yolo County Animal Services is giving both vulnerable youth and kittens a second chance through a unique program called “Paws for Change.”

Listen: Probation Division Manager Michelle Vermette

The idea was born from Vermette, also a shelter volunteer, had envisioned a connection between the detention facility and the animal shelter. Amato had similarly sought opportunities for collaboration. After hearing about the success of similar prison programs at a recent conference, staff decided to tailor the concept to suit the youth setting and with kitten season approaching, the timing was perfect.

The program places foster kittens inside the Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF), where youth participants are responsible for their daily care. From feeding and cleaning to administering medications and socializing, the young people are deeply involved in every aspect of nurturing the animals.

Beyond pet care, the program is already demonstrating impact. Since its launch, there have been zero disciplinary issues among participating youth, and each participant completed an empathy assessment to help measure personal development, with follow-up assessments planned every six months. Youth have expressed how meaningful the experience has been:

If you are interested in contributing to the wellbeing of foster animals like these kittens, please consider donating to Yolo County Animal Services. To learn more about current donation needs, contact Animal Services directly at (530) 668-5287 or visit www.YoloShelter.org.

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A new and heartwarming partnership between the Yolo County Probation Department and Yolo County Animal Services is giving both vulnerable youth and kittens a second chance through a unique program called “Paws for Change.”

Listen: Probation Division Manager Michelle Vermette

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