Helping Children Feel Safe to Learn with MacKillop Family Services
April 17, 2026

For some children, the classroom can feel overwhelming. 


Anxiety, trauma, learning challenges or difficult life experiences can make it hard to concentrate, participate or feel safe at school. For these students, reconnecting with learning often requires more than traditional support approaches. 


Since 2018, MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals program has quietly been helping students take meaningful steps forward, one gentle interaction at a time. 


Through the presence of specially trained therapy dogs and skilled facilitators, Paw Pals creates safe and supportive environments where children can regulate emotions, rebuild trust and re-engage with learning. 


For the past five years, CDF has proudly partnered with MacKillop Family Services to support the continued growth of this program across schools. 

Pictured above: Mackillop Family Services Paw Pal Therapy Dogs

Oliver’s story 


By the age of eight, Oliver* had already experienced significant trauma and instability in his young life. Living in residential care and navigating multiple diagnoses including ADHD, autism and mild intellectual disability, Oliver found unfamiliar environments particularly challenging. 


School felt overwhelming. 



Emotional outbursts became common and his school attendance reduced to just a few hours per day. Learning felt out of reach. 

Then Oliver met Marlowe. 


Marlowe, a Paw Pals therapy dog, offered calm presence and quiet reassurance. Through regular interaction, Oliver began to feel safe again. He started to regulate his emotions, rebuild trust with adults and gradually re-engage with learning. 


Over time, Oliver’s attendance increased to full school days. His emotional outbursts reduced and his confidence grew. 


His story reflects the transformative impact that thoughtful, evidence-informed programs like Paw Pals can have when the right supports are in place. 

“He actually ran out of the house to greet her…
I’ve got these beautiful photos of them where the dog is just lying next to him.” 

Belinda, Education Specialist

Quiet impact across schools 


Since its introduction, Paw Pals has supported students across a growing number of school communities, helping children overcome barriers that may otherwise prevent them from fully participating in education. 


Program impact to date: 

  • 1,749+ students supported 
  • 6,709+ sessions delivered 
  • 15 Facilitators 
  • 21 Therapy Dogs 
  • Operating since 2018 
  • Servicing all Diocese in Victoria 

 

Behind these numbers are stories of increased attendance, improved emotional regulation and renewed confidence in learning. 

Programs like Paw Pals demonstrate the importance of early intervention and holistic support in helping young people remain connected to education and community. 


Double your impact 


From 20 – 24 April, CDF will act as a matched giving partner, meaning every donation made to the MacKillop Paw Pals Appeal during this period will be matched dollar-for-dollar, helping extend the reach of the program to more students who need support. 


Donations contribute to: 

  • therapy dog training and care 
  • program delivery in schools 
  • specialist resources for students 
  • facilitator training and support 
  • program governance and safety frameworks 


Together, we can help create supportive learning environments where more young people feel safe, confident and ready to participate in their education. 


Support Paw Pals today

 

To learn more and support the Paw Pals program, visit: give.mackillop.org.au/paw-pals-2026 

or read more about the program impact: mackillop.org.au/stories/paw-pals-2026 



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