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’re developing a package of court support materials for child victims and witnesses, their caregivers, and justice system personnel. We also provide training and technical assistance to practitioners on effective responses to child abuse and children’s exposure to violence.

Initiatives

Bronx Child Trauma Support

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

This project involves the creation of materials to support child victims and witnesses and their caregivers throughout their involvement with the justice system.

Publications & Digital Media

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 Programs
Audio
Financial Insecurity and Domestic Violence: A Conversation about Child Support

by Robert V. Wolf

For survivors of domestic violence, financial insecurity is often a huge problem. Without money to support themselves and their families, survivors can struggle to gain independence. In this New Thinking podcast, Michael Hayes from the Office of Child Support Enforcement and Krista Del Gallo from the Texas Council on Family Violence talk with Robert V. Wolf about strategies that states and the federal government are promoting to help survivors safely access child support.

Domestic Violence, Strengthening Families, Supporting Child Victims
Publication
Domestic Violence Risk Factor Guide: An Implementation Manual for Civil Courts

The goal of this guide is to increase the capacity of civil judges and self-represented litigants to identify and respond to domestic violence risk factors in civil protective order hearings.

Risk Assessment, Domestic Violence, Parent Support, Supporting Child Victims

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Initiatives

Publications & Digital Media

Youth Involvement in the Sex Trade

Financial Insecurity and Domestic Violence: A Conversation about Child Support

Domestic Violence Risk Factor Guide: An Implementation Manual for Civil Courts

We work with reformers around the world.