HR0196LRB103 31893 MST 60569 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The premise of equine therapy is that interacting
3with a horse under the supervision of a mental and physical
4health professional can complement traditional treatments to
5best support recovery; such interactions may include riding or
6assisted riding, feeding, grooming, and providing other kinds
7of care; and
 
8    WHEREAS, During a session of equine therapy, the client,
9therapist, and animal come together and form a unique bond;
10the inclusion of animals in therapy provides a non-judgmental
11environment; and
 
12    WHEREAS, For clients who have experienced trauma,
13equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a great addition for
14those who may find it easier to talk to animals rather than
15another person; and
 
16    WHEREAS, The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning
17Association (EAGALA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to
18setting the standard for professionals working with horses in
19a therapeutic setting; they offer training and have
20established a specialized certification process for those
21wanting to become a recognized, trained equine-assisted
22therapy professional; and
 

 

 

HR0196- 2 -LRB103 31893 MST 60569 r

1    WHEREAS, In both children and adults, equine-based
2psychotherapy can be used for a variety of mental health
3conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, autism,
4depression, eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorder,
5PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and substance misuse; and
 
6    WHEREAS, In a 2011 study, seven young people considered
7"at risk" of harming themselves or others were introduced to
8equine therapy; they reported positive effects on their
9resilience and reduced risks of crime, self-harm, and other
10issues, as well as benefits to their empathy, confidence,
11self-esteem, mastery, and self-efficacy; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Research on equine-assisted psychotherapy is
13limited as it is an emerging treatment, but recent findings
14report that it can calm and soothe the nervous system, promote
15healthy attachment, and cultivate social learning and
16connections; therefore, be it
 
17    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
18HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
19we recognize the benefits that equine therapy can have on the
20lives of children, especially those that have experienced
21trauma, abuse, and neglect; and be it further
 

 

 

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1    RESOLVED, That the Department of Children and Family
2Services is urged to consider implementing an equine therapy
3pilot program in order to help children process trauma and
4address their behavioral and emotional needs; and be it
5further
 
6    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
7delivered to the Department of Children and Family Services.