Supporting Child Victims

We help justice systems support children who have experienced violence and victimization.

A child who is a victim or witness of violence often confronts a system ill-equipped to meet their needs and to treat their symptoms of trauma. Our Bronx Child Trauma Support program works with children ages 3 to 15, most of whom are witnesses in criminal and/or family court cases. The program provides trauma-focused, evidence-based therapy, crisis intervention, and intensive court support services. At the national level, with funding from the federal Office for Victims of Crime, we’ve developed a package of trauma-responsive, developmentally appropriate support materials for child victims and witnesses, their caregivers, and justice system practitioners. We also provide training and technical assistance on effective responses to child abuse and children’s exposure to violence.

Initiatives

Bronx Child Trauma Support

Bronx Child Trauma Support provides trauma-focused services to young people who have been exposed to violent crime.
Child Witness Materials Project

With funding from OVC, we developed a first-of-its-kind collection of interactive and educational materials that inform and empower children as they navigate the justice system.

Publications & Digital Media

Label:Webinar

Webinar: Materials for Child Victims and Witnesses

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.

Supporting Child Victims
Label:Publication

Youth Involvement in the Sex Trade

With funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Center for Court Innovation conducted a multi-site study designed to increase scientific knowledge concerning youth involvement in the sex trade. Nearly 1,000 youth, ages 13-24, were interviewed across six sites on subjects including entry into the sex trade, earning a living, finding customers, involvement of pimps and market facilitators, health issues and service needs, interactions with law enforcement, and outlook for the future.

Human Trafficking, Parent Support, Supporting Child Victims, Youth Initiatives
Label:Publication

Child Welfare System Process Map for Kids

This chart outlines the stages and potential outcomes of a child welfare case in child-friendly language.

Supporting Child Victims

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News

How We’re Empowering Survivors of Human Trafficking to Become Leaders in Their Communities

This Human Trafficking Prevention Month, learn how we’re supporting survivors of human trafficking in healing from traumatic experiences and becoming leaders and advocates in their own communities.
Empowering Child Witnesses and Victims – Part II

With a series of interactive graphic novels, we help guide and support children navigating the legal system as victims and witnesses. An additional set of guides we worked to create ensure that practitioners have what they need to do the same.
Empowering Child Witnesses and Victims – Part I

Well over 100,000 children have to interact with the legal system each year in the United States, as victims or witnesses to crime. A series of graphic novels we helped to create use storytelling and illustration to empower children through the process.

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Initiatives

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