This monograph describes best practices and programs that focus on the most effective responses to child victims and child witnesses according to those working in the criminal justice system. Specific recommendations are offered for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, and the courts. The analysis finds that juveniles make up 12 percent of all crime victims known to police, including 71 percent of all sex crime victims and 38 percent of all kidnaping victims.
Simple assault is the most commonly reported crime against juveniles.
This report provides guidelines for collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of child pornography and prostitution cases and in the provision of services to young victims of these crimes. This handbook discusses the vulnerability of children to criminal behavior and the severe consequences of victimization for children. The handbook concludes with a discussion of children and posttraumatic stress disorder and lists resources for information and training. OVC views child neglect and abandonment as serious crimes that can harm children as severely as physical and sexual abuse. This fact sheet discusses the role of VOCA funding and how CASA programs must meet certain eligibility criteria for VOCA funding.