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Who's That? In Criminal Court

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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Who's That? In Family or Dependency Court

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...

Human Trafficking: A Guide for Practitioners

A Guide for Practitioners

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.

Funded by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), these materials were created with the input of those with similar lived experiences, and expert practitioners working in the anti-trafficking field.

While the materials...

What Is Your Job? In Criminal Court

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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Zoe's Story: A Journey Through (and Beyond) the Legal System

Summary

Zoe’s Story shares the experiences of a young girl who was sex trafficked and presents in court as a defendant.

This graphic novel follows Zoe as she—

  • shares her story with a lawyer and social worker after she is arrested,
  • learns that someone she cared about was doing something illegal, and
  • engages with a survivor-led support group that offers...

I Am Still Isabella

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...

Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials

Funding Available to Print These Materials

To increase access to the resources in this series, the Center for Justice Innovation is offering the opportunity to print and disseminate up to $10,000 worth of the materials. The Center for Justice Innovation, through funding from OVC, is accepting applications until January 31, 2025.

Learn More and Apply Now

Introduction

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

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...

Sergio's Story: A Journey Through (and Beyond) the Legal System

Summary

Sergio’s Story describes the experience of a young boy who was a victim of labor trafficking and is part of a federal case.  

The story follows Sergio as he shares his experiences with a trusted adult, meets with a victim advocate in the prosecutor’s office who supported him as he navigated the criminal legal system, and receives support...

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...

OVC FY 2021 Enhancing Juvenile and Family Court Responses to Human Trafficking

Closing Date

The goals of this program are to develop or enhance programs to provide direct services and diversion programs for youth in contact with the juvenile and family court systems who are victims of sex and/or labor trafficking or at risk for human trafficking. Applicants are invited to apply under two purpose areas.