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Victim services

Family and Dependency Court Resources

Family and Dependency Court Resources

Use these materials with children and youth who may have involvement with family and dependency court as the victim of or witness to a crime. The materials teach children about how the child welfare system works, what their rights are, and how they can cope with the difficult feelings they might have during the process.

Character booklets about court roles...

A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials includes materials for young children ages 2 to 6 years old, school-age children ages 7 to 12 years old, and youth ages 13 to 18 years old. For each age group, there are materials about the criminal justice system and the child welfare system, so you can choose the materials that will be...

There's More to Me

Summary

There’s More To Me is a graphic novel that tells the stories of five different youth—Alex, Jamal, Jesse, Amy, and Ari. Each character has their own experience as a victim or witness in a criminal case.

To illustrate the common occurrences in criminal cases in which youth are victims or witnesses, the stories showcase the characters interacting with victim...

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...

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...

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

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OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt Commemorates Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month

April 2021
Every April, the Nation commemorates Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month. OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt discusses our office's support for projects that serve victims of sexual assault. She also pays tribute to the dedicated service providers working to support victims, including forensic nurse examiner Kim Day, who is retiring after decades in service to victims of sexual violence.

OVC Acting Director Speaks at Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day Event

May 2021
OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt gave remarks during a special event, hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, and Administration for Native Americans, to honor missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in commemoration of President Biden’s 2021 proclamation on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.