Since 2009, the Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center has provided a child-centered environment for children and their families who have experienced sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or if a child has been a witness to violence. Through the work of the Lakeshore CAC, a team of child abuse professionals – including social workers, law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical examiners, and mental health professionals – are brought together to provide a coordinated response that best meets the needs of the child and family.
The Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center is one of 40 CACs in Michigan and one of more than 900 in the United States.
Our services include:
All services are provided at no cost to children and families.
Child Advocacy Center Model
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Children and families are welcomed into a safe and supportive environment.
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Children are interviewed once by a trained professional.
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A team of child abuse professionals are brought together to share the information and provide a coordinated response.
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Children and families are referred for counseling and other services as needed.
The Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center Care Model
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Child interviews occurred in public and uncomfortable settings, such as police stations, schools, and hospitals.
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The child was asked to repeat their story of the abuse many times. Multiple agencies became part of the investigation, and the information was not shared.
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The child’s needs became lost in the investigation.