Use this section to get answers to your questions about how the court system works and what services the courts can offer you, as well as tips for recognizing the signs of substance or sexual abuse, how to keep your child or teen safe on the Internet, and how to protect the legal rights of a child with a disability.
Childhelp is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. It offers information for kids, parents and professionals and includes safety tips, signs and symptoms of abuse and many more resources. Check out these tip sheets from Childhelp:
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The organization provides information and resources to law enforcement, parents, children including child victims as well as other professionals. See the Resources for Parents and Guardians section for information on topics such as: how to keep your child safe, what to do if your child is missing, how to report child sexual exploitation and how to help kids stay safer online. Site also includes information on Internet-related Safety Tips for Teens.
- Disability Rights Handbook
This guide includes chapters on the rights of children with disabilities in education, parental rights, programs and services and benefits and health.
Site provides legal information and resources to women living with or escaping domestic violence or sexual assault. It hopes to empower women and girls to lead independent lives, free from abuse. Includes tips on how to stay safe, how to prepare for court, how to help a friend, and more. Also includes a page on information for teens.
Kids and the Courts
- California Courts Self Help Center: Families and Children
Self Help Center offers assistance with the completion of legal forms and provides guidance in most areas of Family Law, including: child support, spousal support, child custody, visitation, dissolution, legal separation, nullity, establishment of paternity, domestic violence, restraining orders and probate guardianships.
- If a Child Gets Arrested
Visit this page of the California Courts Self Help Center to learn more about what to do if a child gets arrested, the juvenile court process, the child’s rights, what to do with a Notice to Appear, and probation.
- Legal Glossary
See the guide for a comprehensive list of legal terms.