PCCD At-Risk Youth Equine Assisted Learning & Activities Program Application

Thank you for your interest in STAT®'s Equine programming! We offer various Equine Assisted Learning & Activity Programs for At Risk Youth, including program offerings like the EQuine Affect®, M.U.S.T.A.N.G., Horse Sense Learning Levels, H.O.P.E., and Stable Thinking/Stable Living.

The STAT® herd welcomes you to equine programming

STAT® is proud to introduce equine-assisted programming for at-risk youth, made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Our programs serve youth ages 5 to 20 who have experienced trauma and often face emotional or behavioral challenges stemming from exposure to violence, neglect, or substance misuse within their home environments.

Participants are referred through collaborative partnerships with social service agencies, public schools, and justice system entities. These include Westmoreland County Social Services, the Children’s Bureau, Juvenile Probation, Alternative Education Programs, Foster Care Agencies, Group Homes, Residential Treatment Centers, Youth Recovery Centers, and school districts both within and beyond Westmoreland County. We also work with case workers, service coordinators, social workers, and parents to provide equine-assisted learning opportunities at no cost to families—including for youth affected by human trafficking.

All sessions are conducted on the ground—no riding or prior horse experience is required. Participants engage in structured, goal-oriented activities alongside horses, which offer honest, non-verbal feedback that helps youth recognize limiting behaviors, tap into their strengths, and make meaningful changes in real time. This experiential approach is often short-term but highly effective, with outcomes that can be both immediate and lasting.

Through our programs, participants develop and strengthen skills such as healthy coping strategies, responsibility, problem-solving, boundary-setting, communication, assertiveness, confidence, trust, respect, and relationship-building.

How Do Horses Help?

At STAT®, equines play a vital role in helping participants—ranging from children as young as 3 to young adults up to age 24—navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. Whether through the transformative M.U.S.T.A.N.G.® program or other trauma-informed equine-assisted offerings, horses and mini-donkeys provide consistent, non-judgmental companionship that helps participants stay present and engaged. Their natural responses offer clear, real-time feedback that helps youth better understand the impact of their behavior, energy, and communication style. These interactions take place in a calm, supportive setting designed to promote curiosity, personal growth, and emotional regulation—without labeling or trying to “fix” anyone. By working alongside the animals, participants build resilience, confidence, and meaningful connection in ways that are both enjoyable and enduring.

What is the cost of this program? There are no out-of-pocket costs for guardians or participants; their only responsibility is arranging transportation to and from the barn. We are deeply grateful for the support and commitment of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency in serving at-risk youth in our community. Additionally, for children referred through County agencies, contracts are established to cover the associated service costs.

Specific Applicant Information in order to become a Participant in the STAT® PCCD funded programs.

Does the Applicant have any of the following:

These are the criteria required to apply for the grant based program

Please check all boxes that apply to Applicant's living situation

Are currently in foster care, out of home placement

Live in a Group Home

Live with legal guardian(s)

Placed in Youth Detention Center

Youth Shelter

Youth Recovery Center Program

Residential Treatment Center

Please check all boxes that apply to Applicant's mental health: more detail to be given below in this application

Diagnosed with mental health/behavioral challenges

Receives Mental Health therapy / Has a Mental Health Counselor

Survivor of trauma, abuse, and/or severe neglect

Have experienced homelessness

Other (Explanation)

ACES's Score (if Known)

Please check all boxes that apply to Applicant's and/or family's substance use history:

History of substance misuse

Familiy substance misuse history

Does not have to be recent

None/Other

Please check all boxes that apply to Applicant's Juvenile Record:

Does Not Apply

No Juvenile Record

Currently has a Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) but NOT in Residential Detention Center

Past history of having a Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO)

Currently living in a Residential Detention Center

Past history of living in a Residential Detention Center

Applicant's Familiy Incarceration History:

History/Currently has a familiy member Incarcerated

Grandparent, Parent, Sibling, etc.

Does not apply

Equine Programs (See descriptions below)

Program Options: Group Class or Individual? CHOOSE ONE

The EQuine Affect®: Group Class

weekly x 6 weeks - Individual or Group of up to 6

H.O.P.E. Horses Offering Powerful Encounters (Group or Individual)

weekly x 1 hour - Individual or Group of up to 8/group

"Horse Sense" Ground Based Horsemanship

weekly x 1 hour - Individual, Group, or Family Class

M.U.S.T.A.N.G. (Making Unique Solutions to Achieve New Growth)

weekly x 12 weeks (goal: min. 4 weeks - Individual x 30 minutes (age 12-18 only)

Stable Thinking for Stable Living: Group Class

weekly x 6 or 12 weeks x 1 hour - Individual or Group of 6 or less

STAT®’s Equine Learning and Activities Program Descriptions

Funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)

STAT® provides trauma-informed, equine-assisted learning programs for youth ages 5–20, delivered at no cost through PCCD funding. These programs are grounded in experiential learning, social-emotional development, and skill-building, serving youth referred by schools, juvenile justice, foster care, group homes, and youth recovery centers across Westmoreland County and beyond.

M.U.S.T.A.N.G.® — Making Unique Solutions To Achieve New Growth

Designed for at-risk youth, including those in juvenile detention and foster care, this program uses the symbolism of the wild-to-gentled mustang to teach trust, courage, and responsible decision-making through ground-based activities with horses.

H.O.P.E. — Horses Offering Powerful Encounters

A strengths-based equine program for youth impacted by trauma, substance use, or challenging home environments. HOPE promotes healing through safe, hands-on engagement with horses, building resilience and emotional self-regulation.

EQuine Affect® — Emotional Intelligence in Action

An interactive program combining emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and equine activities. Delivered in schools or barn settings, EQuine Affect® helps youth develop empathy, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies.

Horse Sense Learning Levels Curriculum Program (Ground-Based)

An educational equine learning program that teaches horsemanship, communication, and connection through structured ground-based activities. Using the Horse Sense Learning Levels curriculum, youth work in small groups of six or fewer—or one-on-one—to develop safe, confident relationships with horses. Ribbons are awarded for task completion, skill progression, and knowledge growth. All sessions are non-riding and facilitated by two Equine Specialists to ensure both emotional and physical safety. Built on a growth mindset model, this fun and hands-on program encourages learning with curiosity and confidence.

Stable Thinking / Stable Living — Equine Learning and Activities Program

This calming, recreational ground-based program invites youth to explore what it means to take care of themselves, care for others, and care for horses. In small groups of six or fewer, participants engage in structured, safe, and engaging activities designed to foster connection, compassion, and confidence. Guided by a team approach, facilitators create an emotionally supportive environment that encourages learning without pressure or perfectionism, while equine specialists ensure the physical safety of both participants and horses. This is a non-riding program rooted in growth mindset principles, empowering youth to try new things and discover practical solutions through hands-on learning with horses.

************************************************************************************************************************

Our team-based approach ensures both emotional and physical safety throughout the program experience. Facilitators are trained to create a supportive learning environment that encourages participation without the pressure to be perfect. Certified equine specialists are present to oversee the wellbeing of both participants and horses, maintaining a safe and respectful setting for all.

Is this equine therapy?
No—this is not psychotherapy or mental health treatment. STAT®’s equine-assisted learning programs are trauma-informed, skill-based, and designed to support diverse learning styles. These are growth-oriented experiences that use horse interaction as a tool for developing practical life skills. Through goal-directed, hands-on activities, participants are invited to reflect on their behavior and choices in the moment—building self-awareness, curiosity, and personal growth from the outside in.

What to expect after submitting the application:
Once your application is received, a STAT® staff member will contact the referring party—whether a guardian, case manager, or probation officer—to complete a brief screening and answer any questions. This helps us ensure a good fit between the participant and the selected program. In some cases, if needs fall outside the scope of what we offer, we may refer families to other appropriate resources. Depending on the program, guardians may also receive a link to the Theranest® Portal to create an account and electronically sign consent and waiver forms.

Program Participation Requirements:
To meet the requirements of our grant funding, all participants must complete a set of brief, anonymous pre- and post-program surveys (such as the ACEs, PHQ-9, AERSQ-E, and Shift & Persist tools), along with a satisfaction survey. These assessments help us improve our services, measure impact, and report program effectiveness to our funders and referral partners.

How did you hear about our equine programs?

Please Type Below

Google, School, Participated in another STAT® Program, Friend etc.

STAT®'s Juvenile Detention Center & Agency Requirements:

Safety & Restrictions: programming restrictions are agreed upon with the STAT®-assigned Facilitator/Team Member, who has pre-screened applicants and determined that they are appropriate for acceptance into any one of the program.

By checking the box you acknowledge applicant has voluntarily agreed to participate and been appropriately screened to safely interact with Staff and Horses, and recommended to the program.

Onsite at STAT®'s Safety Requirements:

STAT® Inc serves courageous people with special needs and vulnerable populations and does not accept applications for anyone with a history of violent and sexual offenses of any kind including cruelty to animals, Megan's Law, and arson.

By checking the box you acknowledge applicant has been appropriately screened to safely interact with Staff and Horses, and recommended to the program.

Requirements at the STAT® Barn:

Must have transportation to and from the barn
If guardians or staff want to stay, they are to remain in vehicles in designated parking area for safety reasons.
There is not a "viewing" option. STAT® Staff members will come to your vehicle at the time of the appointment.
Wear closed toes shoes and appropriate clothing
No cell phones during programming.

Application Form Info:

Applicant (child/teen) Information

First Name

Last Name

Age

Date of birth

Ethnicity:

Hispanic or Latino

A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race

Not Hispanic or Latino

Race (Check all that apply):

White

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.

Black or African American

A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.

American Indian/Alaskan Native

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America, including Central America, and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment

Asian

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam

Two or More Races

A person who identifies with more than one of the above races

School District

Zip Code

Current Grade

Do you have a second child/teen to add?

Yes No

Child/Teen First Name

Child/Teen Last Name

Age

Date of birth

School District

Current Grade

Do you have a third child/Teen to add?

Yes No

Child/Teen First Name

Child/Teen Last Name

Date of birth

Age

School District

Current Grade

Do you have a forth child/teen to add?

Yes No

Child/Teen First Name

Child/Teen Last Name

Date of birth

Age

School District

Current Grade

Do you have a fifth child/teen to add?

Yes No

Child/Teen First Name

Child/Teen Last Name

Date of birth

Age

School District

Current Grade

Do you have a sixth child/teen to add?

Yes No

Add new row

Person Filling Out This Application:

First and Last Name of Person Completing this Application

Your Street, City, State and Zip code

Preferred Phone Number for STAT to Contact

Email address

Case Worker Full Name (if same or different that who is filling out this Application):

Name of Agency

Phone Number of Case Worker

Email address of Case Worker

Although most of our programs are ground-based, we ask if the Applicant is medically cleared to ride a horse for optional mounted exercises?

Is the applicant medically cleared to ride a horse?

Yes

Yes AND No: at least one child is cleared to ride but at least one child or children are NOT cleared

ANY child NOT cleared to ride will have ground work only

If "No" to a mounted activity, please list Child/Children's name(s) below and describe

Medical History

Does your child (children) have any medical problems/diagnoses? (If you have more than one child: LIST the name of each child with conditions)

Yes No

If yes, please briefly describe

What medications is your child (children) taking (if any) and for what conditions? Include the dosage and amounts.

Does your child (children) have any allergies (medications, environment)?

Mental Health History

Does your child (children) have any mental health diagnoses and conditions? (If you have more than one child: LIST the name of each child with conditions)

Yes No

if yes, check all that apply

anger

bipolar

depression

anxiety

post-traumatic stress

relationship conflict

substance abuse / misuse

stress

other

If more detail is required, please briefly describe

Does your child (children) see mental health providers?

What medications is your child (children) taking (if any) and for what conditions? Include the dosage and amounts.

Juvenile Delinquency History

Is your child currently in a Juvenile Detention facility?

Yes No

Names and Addresses of the Facility(s)

Please list charges and disposition

What does the applicant want to get out of the program or learn from horses?

Any Juvenile Delinquency History including Dismissals? (If you have more than one child: LIST the name of each child with juvenile delinquency histories)

Yes No

If yes, please briefly describe

Does your child (children) currently have a Juvenile Probation Officer

Yes No

If yes, please list JPO name, number, and for how long

Emergency Contact Information

Is the Same Parent, Guardian, or Agency already listed also the Emergency Contact?

Yes No

First Name

Last Name

Address

Phone Number

Email address

Relationship to Child/Teen

By checking this box you agree to receive an email or phone call to set up a telephone screening interview to ensure program fit. You attest: I have read the requirements and I attest to information provided and agree for a staff member to contact me to discuss participation requirements.

Date

By checking this box you attest your are authorized to consent for applicant, agree to to all terms, and grant permission for applicant to participate in the program.

Trauma Informed Program

Thank you for your interest!

Your information will be encrypted.

PCCD At-Risk Youth Equine Assisted Learning & Activities Program Application

Thank you for your interest in STAT®'s Equine programming! We offer various Equine Assisted Learning & Activity Programs for At Risk Youth, including program offerings like the EQuine Affect®, M.U.S.T.A.N.G., Horse Sense Learning Levels, H.O.P.E., and Stable Thinking/Stable Living.

How Do Horses Help?

Specific Applicant Information in order to become a Participant in the STAT® PCCD funded programs.

Equine Programs (See descriptions below)

STAT®’s Equine Learning and Activities Program Descriptions

How did you hear about our equine programs?

STAT®'s Juvenile Detention Center & Agency Requirements:

Onsite at STAT®'s Safety Requirements:

Requirements at the STAT® Barn:

Application Form Info:

Applicant (child/teen) Information

Person Filling Out This Application:

Medical History

Mental Health History

Juvenile Delinquency History

Emergency Contact Information

Thank you for your interest in STAT®'s Equine programming! We offer various Equine Assisted Learning & Activity Programs for At Risk Youth, including program offerings like the EQuine Affect®, M.U.S.T.A.N.G., Horse Sense Learning Levels, H.O.P.E., and Stable Thinking/Stable Living.

STAT® Inc.