The Criminal Legal System from the Kid's Perspective: Supporting Child Victims and Witnesses

Interacting with the criminal legal system can be confusing, overwhelming, and even re-traumatizing for children and teens.

Designed to be trauma-informed and age-appropriate, the OVC Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials facilitate effective and trauma-informed support for children involved in the justice system as victims and witnesses of crime.

Learn how to use these materials to guide children through how the justice system works, what their rights are, the roles of the different practitioners they’ll meet, and how they can cope with the difficult feelings they might have. For children who have to testify, there are also tips to help them prepare for going to court.