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Children and Youth in Tribal Communities
Resources for Use With Children and Youth in Tribal Communities
Children and youth in Tribal communities who are victims and witnesses encounter unique challenges while navigating the justice system. Jurisdictional conflicts and variation in Tribal justice system structure and processes can be confusing and overwhelming for child victims and witnesses and their families.
Many child victims and witnesses have endured multiple forms of violence and victimization over time, as have their families and communities. As such, the materials have been designed to provide information about healing from trauma, with examples of effective trauma-informed responses by practitioners, in a culturally responsive format.
Based on the input of national experts, the materials are designed to educate children and youth in Tribal communities between the ages of 2–18 about—
- how the justice system works,
- what their rights are,
- the roles of the different practitioners they might meet, and
- how they can cope with the difficult feelings they might have.
For each age group, there are materials about criminal investigations and criminal court and another set about child welfare intervention and dependency court.
The artwork and stories depicted were developed by Native artists and authors.
Dependency Court
Resources for Ages 2–6
Aiyana’s Journey
Aiyana’s Journey tells the story of what happens to a little girl after social workers visit her home on the reservation because her mom needs help taking care of her.
Aiyana’s Journey: Rights & Roles Book
This booklet accompanies Aiyana’s Journey and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.
Resources for Ages 7–12
Edgar’s Journey
Edgar’s Journey tells the story of a school-age child named Edgar, who has to go to the state courthouse with his grandpa to talk about what is happening in his family.
Edgar’s Journey: Rights & Roles Book
This booklet accompanies Edgar’s Journey and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet. The book also addresses rights in the child welfare system.
Resources for Ages 13–18
Brandon’s Path
Brandon’s Path follows the story of a teen whose family is involved in a child welfare case.
Brandon’s Path: Rights & Roles Book
This booklet accompanies Brandon’s Path and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet. The book also addresses rights in the child welfare system.
Criminal Court
Resources for Ages 2–6
Marvis & Rockee
Marvis & Rockee tells the story of a little boy named Marvis who is a witness in a criminal court case.
Marvis & Rockee: Rights & Roles Book
This booklet accompanies Marvis & Rockee and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.
Resources for Ages 7–12
Marvelous Mitch
Marvelous Mitch follows the story of a school-age kid who is a witness in a criminal court case and goes to federal court.
Marvelous Mitch: Rights & Roles Book
This booklet accompanies Marvelous Mitch and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet. The book also addresses rights in the criminal legal system.
Resources for Ages 13–18
Maggie Mercury
Maggie Mercury tells the story of a teen who was a witness in a criminal court case.
Maggie Mercury: Rights & Roles Book
This booklet accompanies Maggie Mercury and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet. The book also addresses rights in the criminal legal system.