Reaching and Serving Teen Victims: A Practical Handbook

• NCJ Number: 211701
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 42 pages
• Agencies: OVC-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance

Annotation

Designed to further the goals of the Youth Outreach for Victim Assistance (YOVA) project, this handbook assists victim service providers in understanding the special needs of adolescent victims and methods for effective outreach, assessment, and intervention.

Abstract

The first two chapters present the rationale for targeting services for teen victims and explore the common ground between victim services and youth development. These chapters identify the distinctive barriers that impede teen crime victims from reporting their victimization and seeking services for needs that stem from their victimization. Also discussed is the common ground between victim services and youth development, in that effective victim services contribute to youth involvement in community services, responsible decisionmaking, and partnerships between youth and adults. The next two chapters address the principles of adolescent development and the unique impact of victimization on adolescents, who are already facing challenges related to their transition from childhood to adulthood. The fifth chapter provides tips on how to assess the nature and extent of teen victimization in one's own community, followed by three chapters that discuss steps--from outreach, to the service environment, to specific interventions--that service providers can take to improve their effectiveness with teen victims. Another chapter provides guidance on legal issues and parental involvement. 5 annotated organizational resources and a listing of resources on adolescent development, the impact of victimization, outreach, community assessment, and working with teens