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Health and mental health

About

About

Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and are widely held as needing greater care and protection. However, despite this, children are frequently victims of or witnesses to violence, abuse, and other crimes, including domestic violence, community violence, physical assault, sexual assault, commercial sexual exploitation, and child maltreatment.

Resulting from these high rates of exposure to violence, crime, and abuse...

Criminal Court Resources

Criminal Court Resources

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

Character booklets about criminal court roles and tips for coping are available...

Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials

Introduction

Funding Available to Print Materials

Apply for up to $10,000 to print and disseminate copies of the resources in this series that best meet the needs of the children you support. The Center for Justice Innovation, Inc., through funding from OVC, is accepting applications through Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Learn More and Apply Now

For children and youth, participating in the justice system as...

Maya's Homes

Summary

Maya’s Homes—a companion piece to Brave Maya—tells the story of what happens to Maya after she is removed from her home and placed with another caregiver, her auntie.

To illustrate common occurrences in cases of child removal, the story follows Maya as she has questions about and adjusts to life in her new home; regularly...

Human Trafficking: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

These materials were designed for youth aged 12−18 who have experienced sex and labor trafficking, to help inform and empower them as they navigate through the justice system.

They were created with the input of those with similar lived experiences, and expert practitioners working in the anti-trafficking field.

While the materials are intended to be relatable to the broadest...

Who Is Everybody? In Criminal Court

Summary

Who Is Everybody? In Criminal Court is a brief guide in the I Am Malik series that explains the different roles of people that a child may interact with or hear about throughout their criminal case and in criminal court. It includes practical tips for preparing for court and information on some rights to which children are entitled.

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What's Going On? Your Rights and Who You'll Meet

Summary

What’s Going On?—a companion piece to the Sergio’s Story, Zoe’s Story, and Jamie’s Story graphic novels—provides information about—

  • the various people a child or youth victim of human trafficking might meet,
  • the rights a victim or witness has in different courts,
  • how trafficking is defined in the United States, and
  • the laws and services that might...