This report profiles and provides online access to “Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials,” developed to support children and youth during their involvement with the justice system as a victim or witness to a crime.
Based on the input of national experts, these materials are intended to teach children and youth about how the justice system works, what their rights are as victims/witnesses, the roles of the practitioners they will meet, and how they can cope constructively with the adverse feelings that arise. For children who are witnesses, tips are provided to assist them in preparing for court proceedings. The materials target varying age groups that include ages 2-16, ages 7-12, and ages 13-18. For each age group, there are materials on the criminal justice system and the child welfare system. The “Guide for Practitioners” and the Guide for Parents and Caregivers” provide information on how to use the materials, and topics are offered for supporting child victims and witnesses.