April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Second Chance Month. While these topics may initially seem unconnected, they are often intertwined for children in our region.
The CDC estimates that childhood victimization is happening at alarming levels in the United States. About 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse before they turn 18. Moreover, in the last year, at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect.
Youth who are victims of sexual assault or child abuse are significantly more likely than their peers to be arrested in the future. Suffering trauma at a young age, without proper help, can hinder brain development and worsen mental health. Victimized children are also more likely to experience homelessness, poverty, and substance use—which, in turn, can lead to criminal records.
In Ohio, 43% of the homeless population is under the age of 25. Youth homelessness correlates with early encounters with the criminal justice system and a higher likelihood of early incarceration. Young people concerned about their immediate physical safety and survival often do not have the resources to advocate for themselves and can make mistakes that have lifelong consequences. In fact, 44% of homeless youth have been incarcerated in a jail, prison, or juvenile detention center.
The children labeled as "victims" and "offenders" are often the same. They experience trauma that—when unaddressed—leads to negative outcomes. This is why second chances are so important.
Fortunately, Children's Law Center (CLC) uses many legal strategies to help. At CLC, we do not categorize kids as "good" or "bad." We recognize them as young people with developing brains, who are often put into complex environments and circumstances beyond their control. We work to help children who are actively experiencing that trauma by giving them the resources and agency to change their situation for the better.
CLC works hard to ensure that all children are safe from re-victimization and that the voices of our youngest community members are heard. We are proud to represent child victims of crime, who are actively involved in criminal cases against their perpetrators. We protect children's interests in abuse and neglect cases, as well as high-conflict custody matters. We also help children and young adults mitigate the negative impacts of their own juvenile/criminal records, finding second-chance opportunities for self-sufficiency, health, safety, and prosperity.
All of this work is connected—not only in social science research, but in the lived experiences of our clients. April is an important reminder that one child’s story can, simultaneously, apply to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Second Chance Month. We are grateful to the advocates and supporters who help CLC serve children in many circumstances. Together, we can build a brighter future.
Written by CLC attorneys Courtney Lynch & Nick Caprino.
Courtney Lynch, Esq., primarily serves Greater Cincinnati’s teens and young adults, who have experienced homelessness and poverty. Courtney helps her clients with record sealing, expungement, eviction-mitigation, and other legal needs. Prior to joining CLC, Courtney worked for the Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati, New Jersey Public Defenders, and Taft Stettinius and Hollister. Courtney holds a B.S. from University of Kentucky and J.D. from Harvard Law.
Nick Caprino, Esq., primarily serves children who are victims of crime, as well as children who need education-system support or have other civil-legal needs. Nick represents children who were victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking, neglect, and other crime—advising them through criminal prosecutions against perpetrators. Nick helps clients obtain protection orders and resolve other legal matters. He is a graduate of University of Notre Dame and University of Cincinnati Law School.