U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials

Family and Dependency Court Resources

Family and Dependency Court Resources

Use these materials with children and youth who may have involvement with family and dependency court as the victim of or witness to a crime. The materials teach children about how the child welfare system works, what their rights are, and how they can cope with the difficult feelings they might have during the process.

Character booklets about court roles and tips for coping are available for each age/developmental group.

Each booklet is available in English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), Vietnamese, Arabic, and Haitian Creole.

Resources for Ages 2–6

 

Brave Maya

This picture book follows the story of Maya and her family as they interact with the child welfare system.

 

 


 

 

Maya's Homes

This story is the sequel to Brave Maya and follows Maya's experience of being removed from her home and placed with another caregiver.

 

 


 

 

What Is Your Job? In Family or Dependency Court

This picture book explains the different roles of professionals working on child welfare cases.

 


 

Resources for Ages 7–12

 

I Am Isabella

This illustrated booklet follows the story of Isabella and her family as they interact with the child welfare system.

 

 


 

 

I Am Still Isabella

This story is the sequel to I Am Isabella and follows Isabella's experience of being removed from her home and placed with another caregiver.

 

 


 

 

Who Is Everybody? In Family or Dependency Court

This brief guide explains the different roles of professionals working on child welfare cases.

 

 


 

Resources for Ages 13–18

 

It's Not Just You

This graphic novel follows the two separate stories of Nishan and Lila as they interact with the child welfare system.

 

 


 

 

Who's That? In Family or Dependency Court

This brief guide explains the different roles of professionals working on child welfare cases.