Witnesses
Children and Youth in Tribal Communities: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
These materials were created specifically for children and youth in Tribal communities by Native authors and illustrators and are tailored to the needs of young children (ages 2 to 6), school-age children (ages 7 to 12), and teens (ages 13 to 18) who have been the victim and/or witness to a crime and are interacting with Tribal, state, and/or...
Children and Youth in Tribal Communities: A Guide for Practitioners
A Guide for Practitioners
These materials were created specifically for children and youth in Tribal communities by Native authors and illustrators and are tailored to the needs of young children (ages 2 to 6), school-age children (ages 7 to 12), and teens (ages 13 to 18) who have been the victim and/or witness to a crime and are interacting with Tribal, state, and/or federal justice...
Children and Youth in Tribal Communities: Practitioner and Parent/Caregiver Guides
Practitioner and Parent/Caregiver Guides
These materials were created specifically for children and youth in Tribal communities by Native authors and illustrators and are tailored to the needs of young children (ages 2 to 6), school-age children (ages 7 to 12), and teens (ages 13 to 18) who have been the victim and/or witness to a crime and are interacting with Tribal, state, and/or federal justice...
Maggie Mercury | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
Maggie Mercury tells the story of a teen who was a witness in a criminal court case.
She hosts a blog where she and her friends talk about what can happen when a young person is the victim or witness in a criminal case.
The story breaks down this complicated issue for teens in Tribal...
Maggie Mercury: Rights & Roles Book | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
This booklet accompanies Maggie Mercury and describes the jobs of the different grown-ups the reader might meet.
The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.
The book also addresses rights in the criminal legal system.
Downloads
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Brandon’s Path: Rights & Roles Book | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
This booklet accompanies Brandon’s Path and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.
The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.
The book also addresses rights in the child welfare system.
Downloads
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Brandon’s Path | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
Brandon’s Path follows the story of a teen whose family is involved in a child welfare case.
His story follows a ‘choose your own adventure’ style where he meets new adults, learns to ask for help, and discovers things he can do to feel better.
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Marvelous Mitch: Rights & Roles Book | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
This booklet accompanies Marvelous Mitch and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.
The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.
The book also addresses rights in the criminal legal system.
Downloads
View Online or Print
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Marvelous Mitch | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
Marvelous Mitch follows the story of a school-age kid who is a witness in a criminal court case and goes to federal court.
She meets with new adults, like a victim advocate, who ask her questions, teach her how the legal system works, and help her feel better.
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Edgar’s Journey: Rights & Roles Book | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
This booklet accompanies Edgar’s Journey and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.
The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.
The book also addresses rights in the child welfare system.
Downloads
View Online or Print
View...
Edgar’s Journey | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
Edgar’s Journey tells the story of a school-age child named Edgar, who has to go to the state courthouse with his grandpa to talk about what is happening in his family.
He meets some new adults, goes to new places, and learns about asking for help and things he can do to feel better.
Downloads
...Marvis & Rockee: Rights & Roles Book | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
This booklet accompanies Marvis & Rockee and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.
The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.
Downloads
View Online or Print
View online or print on an office printer.
Marvis & Rockee | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
Marvis & Rockee tells the story of a little boy named Marvis who is a witness in a criminal court case.
He and his toy coyote, Rockee, meet with different grown-ups, like advocates and attorneys, who ask him questions about what happened, and share techniques with him to help him cope with how he’s feeling...
Aiyana’s Journey: Rights & Roles Book | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
This booklet accompanies Aiyana’s Journey and describes the jobs of the different grownups the reader might meet.
The grownups may be from the reader’s Tribe or a different Tribe, or may work for the local, state, or Federal Government.
Downloads
View Online or Print
View online or print on an office printer.
Aiyana’s Journey | Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
Summary
Aiyana’s Journey tells the story of what happens to a little girl named Aiyana after social workers visit her home on the reservation because her mom needs help taking care of her.
She meets some new grownups, goes to some new places, and learns about things she can do to feel better. Throughout the story, Aiyana...
Children and Youth in Tribal Communities
Resources for Use With Children and Youth in Tribal Communities
Children and youth in Tribal communities who are victims and witnesses encounter unique challenges while navigating the justice system. Jurisdictional conflicts and variation in Tribal justice system structure and processes can be confusing and overwhelming for child victims and witnesses and their families.
Many child victims and witnesses have endured multiple forms of violence and victimization over...
OVC Materials for Child Victim and Witnesses Support
Learn about materials that support children and youth, ages 2–18, as they navigate the justice system. Panelists discuss how OVC's Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials can help children and youth in both criminal and family court settings understand the justice system, their rights, and the roles of different practitioners that they may encounter.
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Translated Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials Now Available
OVC Materials for Trafficked Youth – A Journey Through and Beyond the Legal System
In this video, OVC and Center for Court Innovation staff discuss graphic novels focused on young human trafficking survivors’ experiences, plus an accompanying booklet that focuses on rights, roles, and responsibilities within the justice system. Learn how to use these materials to support victims and witnesses of sex and labor trafficking, ages 12–18. View the Child Victims and Witness Support Materials on Human Trafficking.
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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
...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.
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...