U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Domestic violence

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 Oscar

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...

I Am Isabella

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...

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

The Center for Court Innovation’s Child Witness Materials Project is a collaborative effort between the Center for Court InnovationCenter for Urban Pedagogy, and Alternate History Comics and is supported by cooperative agreements #2016-VF-GX-K011 and #2018-V3-GX-K069, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in these...

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...

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.

Downloads

View

...

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking Resources

Adult and a youth sitting across from each other

Child and youth victims of trafficking have unique needs and experiences, both in terms of the dynamics of their exploitation and their potential interaction with the criminal justice system as a victim-defendant.

Unlike most other child victims and witnesses, trafficking survivors may have different roles within the justice system, including as a defendant in a criminal case. It is vital that...

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...

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.

Downloads

...

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...

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...

Law Enforcement

Learn about OVC efforts to support for programs which help law enforcement officers compassionately and effectively meet the needs of crime victims.

OVC Tribal Financial Management Center: Supporting American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

November 2020

This video provides information about the Office for Victims of Crime Tribal Financial Management Center and how it supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities with financial management and reporting requirements of Office for Victims of Crime grant awards, individualized financial training and technical assistance, and financial needs assessments. The Office for Victims of Crime Tribal Financial Management Center also provides a variety of learning aids including Financial Policies and Procedures Guide Sheets.