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Health and mental health

It's Not Just You

Summary

It’s Not Just You tells the story of two youth—Nishan and his family, when caseworkers visit their home; and Lila, when she is placed at her grandmother’s home by caseworkers after an incident.

To illustrate the common occurrences in child welfare cases, both stories showcase Nishan and Lila interacting with caseworkers, advocates, and counselors. Lila’s story also...

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...

Brave Maya

Summary

Brave Maya tells the story of what happens to a little girl named Maya after caseworkers visit her home.

To illustrate the common occurrences in child welfare cases, the story follows Maya as she meets with caseworkers, goes to court and meets her advocate, engages with a counselor, and receives support from external family members.

Throughout the...

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...

I Am Malik

Summary

I Am Malik tells the story of what happens to a young boy named Malik after he becomes a witness to and victim of a criminal incident involving his neighbor.

To illustrate common occurrences in criminal cases in which a child is a victim or witness, the story follows Malik as he talks to a counselor at school, goes...

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

For children and youth, participating in the justice system as a victim or witness can be especially confusing, distressing, and even re-traumatizing. Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials was created to support children and youth during their involvement with the justice system as a victim or witness to a crime.

Based on the input of national experts and lived experience experts, these materials are...

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...