Child advocacy

A Guide for Parents and Caregivers 

These materials were created specifically for children and youth in Tribal communities by Native authors and illustrators and are tailored to the needs of young children (ages 2 to 6), school-age children (ages 7 to 12), and teens (ages 13 to 18) who have been the victim and/or witness to a crime and are interacting with Tribal, state, and/or...

A Guide for Practitioners

These materials were created specifically for children and youth in Tribal communities by Native authors and illustrators and are tailored to the needs of young children (ages 2 to 6), school-age children (ages 7 to 12), and teens (ages 13 to 18) who have been the victim and/or witness to a crime and are interacting with Tribal, state, and/or federal justice...

Practitioner and Parent/Caregiver Guides

These materials were created specifically for children and youth in Tribal communities by Native authors and illustrators and are tailored to the needs of young children (ages 2 to 6), school-age children (ages 7 to 12), and teens (ages 13 to 18) who have been the victim and/or witness to a crime and are interacting with Tribal, state, and/or federal justice...

Summary

Maggie Mercury tells the story of a teen who was a witness in a criminal court case.

She hosts a blog where she and her friends talk about what can happen when a young person is the victim or witness in a criminal case.

The story breaks down this complicated issue for teens in Tribal...

Summary

This booklet accompanies Maggie Mercury and describes the jobs of the different grown-ups the reader might meet.

The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.

The book also addresses rights in the criminal legal system.

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Summary

This booklet accompanies Brandon’s Path and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.

The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.

The book also addresses rights in the child welfare system.

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Summary

Brandon’s Path follows the story of a teen whose family is involved in a child welfare case.

His story follows a ‘choose your own adventure’ style where he meets new adults, learns to ask for help, and discovers things he can do to feel better.

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Summary

This booklet accompanies Marvelous Mitch and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.

The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.

The book also addresses rights in the criminal legal system.

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Summary

Marvelous Mitch follows the story of a school-age kid who is a witness in a criminal court case and goes to federal court.

She meets with new adults, like a victim advocate, who ask her questions, teach her how the legal system works, and help her feel better.

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Summary

This booklet accompanies Edgar’s Journey and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.

The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.

The book also addresses rights in the child welfare system.

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Summary

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.

He meets some new adults, goes to new places, and learns about asking for help and things he can do to feel better.

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Summary

This booklet accompanies Marvis & Rockee and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.

The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.

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Summary

Marvis & Rockee tells the story of a little boy named Marvis who is a witness in a criminal court case.

He and his toy coyote, Rockee, meet with different grown-ups, like advocates and attorneys, who ask him questions about what happened, and share techniques with him to help him cope with how he’s feeling...

Summary

This booklet accompanies Aiyana’s Journey and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.

The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.

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Summary

Aiyana’s Journey tells the story of what happens to a little girl named Aiyana after social workers visit her home on the reservation because her mom needs help taking care of her.

She meets some new grownups, goes to some new places, and learns about things she can do to feel better. Throughout the story, Aiyana...

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...

Summary

Brave Oscar tells the story of what happens to a little boy named Oscar after his father is arrested.

To illustrate the common occurrences in criminal cases in which children are victims or witnesses, the story follows Oscar as he meets with a victim advocate and receives counseling, goes to court and testifies (this section is optional and may...

Summary

Jamie’s Story follows a young individual who identifies as nonbinary and serves as a victim witness in a sex trafficking case.

The story follows them as—

• they are questioned during a police investigation;
• speak with a prosecutor in preparation for testifying in court; and
• receive support from their therapist, group home staff, and victim advocate.

Throughout the graphic novel...

Summary

I Am Isabella tells the story of what happens to a young girl named Isabella after a caseworker visits her home.

To illustrate common occurrences in child welfare cases, the story follows Isabella as she meets a caseworker, talks to a counselor at school, goes to court and meets her advocate, and builds a network of support...

Summary

Who’s That? In Criminal Court—a complementary piece to There’s More to Me—is a brief guide that explains the different roles of people that youth 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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Summary

Who’s That? In Family or Dependency Court—a complementary piece to It’s Not Just You—is a brief guide that explains the different roles of people that a teenager may interact with or hear about throughout their child welfare case and in family or dependency court. It includes practical tips for preparing for court and information on some...

Summary

What Is Your Job? In Criminal Court—a companion piece to Brave Oscar—is a picture book that explains the different roles of people that a child may interact with or hear about throughout a criminal case and in criminal court. It includes information on the role of the child in court and an illustration of a courtroom.

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Practitioner and Parent/Caregiver Guides

These materials were specifically designed to appeal to children ages 12–18.

The goal of these materials is to provide effective, trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate information and support to children in a way that they can more easily understand, so they can feel informed, supported, and empowered.

Learn more and view the guides below.
 

A Guide for Practitioners

This guide, designed for practitioners...

Summary

I Am Still Isabella tells the story of what happens to Isabella 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 Isabella as she adjusts to life in her new home, regularly meets with her caseworker and counselor and discusses...