Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a unified response by protecting, listening, advocating for, and nurturing resilience in children and families impacted by trauma.
Our Values
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To provide children and families with the resources needed to nurture resilience, empowering them to overcome challenges and heal.
We are equally committed to ensuring that those who serve these children and families have the tools and support necessary to maintain their own resilience, so they can continue making a meaningful impact.
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We prioritize the well-being, dignity, and rights of children in every aspect of our work. We strive to ensure that children feel safe—both physically and emotionally—when sharing their truth. By empowering children, families, and the community through outreach and education, we enhance our protective efforts and work towards securing brighter futures for all children.
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Working closely with our multidisciplinary team is a top priority to ensure that children and families receive the most effective and comprehensive services. We also believe in collaborating with other organizations to strengthen our collective impact and create a united approach to addressing the needs of the community. Through these partnerships, we enhance our ability to serve and support those in need.
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We serve children and their caregivers in crisis, dedicating ourselves to meeting the unique needs of each child. By working closely with our multidisciplinary team we provide a network of care and support. Our service extends not only to the children and their families but also to our team and the community at large, cultivating a collaborative environment where every individual is empowered to contribute to the well-being and healing of those we serve.
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We are committed to continuous learning, thinking outside the box, and finding creative solutions to address community challenges. By embracing innovation, we strive to find effective, forward-thinking solutions that improve the lives of children and families in our region.
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We believe prevention is the foundation for protecting children and creating a safer,
healthier future. Our commitment to prevention extends beyond reducing the risk of abuse and neglect—it also includes shielding children who have experienced trauma from further harm.
What does a CAC Provide?
Forensic Interviews
Family Advocacy
Mental Health Therapy
Medical Evaluation referrals
Case Coordination
Parent Support
What is a Child Advocacy Center?
To understand what a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is, you must understand what children face without one. Without a CAC, the child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, cops, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station where they think they might be in trouble, or may be asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning teacher or other adult that could hurt the case against the abuser.
When police or child protective services believe a child is being abused, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult.
At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child.
Then, a team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response and is a core part of the work of CACs.8
*Information retrieved from the National Children’s Alliance.
HOW DO I RECEIVE CAC SERVICES?
Referrals for CAC services generate through local law enforcement and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to begin the process of investigating allegations of abuse of a child.
WHAT IF I AM NOT INVOLVED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OR MDHHS AND I NEED ASSISTANCE?
If you are a victim of a crime and need assistance, you may contact the Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center for guidance and support.
WHO DOES THE CAC SERVE?
The Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center provides services to children and families impacted by abuse in Alger, Delta, Menominee, and Schoolcraft Counties.
Ready to help?
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