Geoff Auerbach News Today

Meet Tater Tot. He's known as the Chief Cuddle Officer at Summit County Juvenile Court -- and he's making a big difference.

The Multidisciplinary Representation program pairs people in the child welfare system with a lawyer, a resource specialist and a parent advocate.

Interacting with the legal system can be stressful for any adult. But for kids, testifying, or listening to testimony, can be traumatizing. At the Summit County Juvenile Court, they’ve found a way to reduce stress levels both for children and for staff members. Meet Tater Tot, a professional therapy dog.

Both children and staffmembers are benefitting from their new friend.

Both children and staffmembers are benefitting from their new friend.

Summit County Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio welcomed a new professional therapy dog named Tater Tot whose role will be to provide comfort and support to children participating in court proceedings.