U.S. flag

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

Trauma

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

View Online or Print

View...

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

View Online or Print

View...

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.

Downloads

View Online or Print

View online or print on...

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

View...

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.

Downloads

View Online or Print

View online...

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.

 Read/Download...

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.

Read/Download Aiyana’s Journey...

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...

Project TRUST E-Learning Curriculum Launched

Learn about a new curriculum to help anti-trafficking professionals understand trauma and human trafficking and how to support individuals impacted by trafficking-related trauma.