O ne of the newest employees at Partners with Families and Children doesn't have a degree, doesn't speak English, doesn't have opposable thumbs, just celebrated her 8th birthday and is one of the most important assets the local agency has in its mission to stop cycles of abuse and neglect.

Tori has been with Partners with Families and Children for five years, training to take over as the agency's main courthouse facility dog from Skipper, a nine-year veteran who's now easing into retirement.

Courthouse dogs like Skipper and Tori provide comfort and support to crime victims, families and young people navigating the criminal justice system. The idea of courthouse facility dogs originated in King County in 2004, and today courthouse dogs are used across the country in varying capacities.

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