• 1 out of every 4 girls and 1 out of every 5 boys will be sexually abused by age 17.
• More efficient medical and mental health referrals.
• The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) began interviewing children in March 2005. To date the CAC has interviewed over 700 children and teens in Shiawassee County.
• Advocacy centers provide consistent support to child victims and their support persons.
• Statistics show an increased number of prosecutions result from the existence of a coordinated advocacy program.
• Interviews are fewer and less traumatizing to victims when conducted in an advocacy center.
• Immediate follow-up on child abuse allegations is provided with a multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Child-focused, child-friendly environment is provided where representatives from various agencies can meet to investigate, treat and follow up on child abuse cases.
• Healing and support is provided to the children and teens who have been hurt by neglect and abuse.
• Family members who receive Crisis Counseling and Resource & Referral Information are more successful in supporting their child/teen.
• Families are provided with social and emotional tools to prevent future child abuse, neglect and child sexual abuse.

The sad reality is that many children are growing up battered, beaten, exploited and neglected. Right here in Shiawassee County, over 1,000 families are referred to child protective services each year for abuse and neglect. Just as startling, FBI statistics suggest that only one out of every 10 cases of child abuse is never reported. To a child who's been victimized, the world can be a scary place. Recognizing the special needs of abused children, a unique partnership has been formed to bring help and hope in a safe, caring environment.

We are now an accredited member of the National Children's Alliance which is the national organization of Child Advocacy Centers.

• Volunteer help at fund raising activities.
• Tax-deductible financial donations.
• Involvement and awareness of the CAC through presentations at local schools, businesses , youth groups and service clubs.
• Office volunteers for general clerical work and office cleaning.
• On-going wish list needs: Water, Pop and Snacks for families and multi-disciplinary team meetings; Cleaning supplies and disposable paper products such as toilet paper, kleenex and paper towel.
• Books, magazines, Playstation games and small board games.For a detailed job description for the Executive Director position, please click on the March, 2009 newsletter link.