We use a multidisciplinary team response for child abuse allegations which includes representation from outside agencies; Child Protective Services, law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, mental health and medical (a collaboration with Alcona Health Center), and family advocate. An interagency response that takes place at the Children’s Advocacy Center allows those involved to gain knowledge and clarity on the child’s experience. This approach minimizes the number of times and people directly interviewing a child. This also allows for parents/guardians to meet all professionals involved with the child and allows an opportunity to ask questions.

The Children’s Advocacy Center coordinates case reviews of each child seen at the Center, and each case is tracked throughout the investigation and prosecution until a disposition is reached - with family advocacy provided throughout this process.

Why is it best that a child is interviewed at A Children’s Advocacy Center?

We provide a safe and welcoming place for children to be heard.​

We bring the system to the child, by providing a single location for interviewing children rather than having a child taken from agency to agency throughout the investigation and potentially enduring multiple interviews.​

​We have trained forensic interviewers who strive to meet the informational needs of the investigative team while remaining developmentally appropriate and child focused.​​

We facilitate a collaborative approach among investigative professionals that results in effective, efficient, and child-centered casework.​

We work to ensure caregivers of the children are guided towards programs that will facilitate the healing process for the child and family.