Group of kids, one holding a magnifying glass in the woods

Your First Visit

When you arrive at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan (CAC), you are entering a safe and supportive place. We know that coming here may feel uncertain or overwhelming. Families may be referred to the CAC because of a concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing. You may or may not know all the details about why you were referred, and that is okay. Our goal is to help children, teens, and caregivers feel comfortable, listened to, and supported.

The date and time of your visit will be arranged by your referring agency, such as law enforcement or Children’s Protective Services. The information below explains what you can expect during your visit and how our team will guide you through the process.

When You Arrive

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our receptionist and asked to complete an intake form.

If you do not speak English, we can provide virtual interpretation services in Spanish and many other languages.

Once you are checked in, a Family Advocate will meet with you to explain the process and help guide you through the next steps of your visit.

Four kids playing behind a tree in the woods

Canine Advocate

Our trained and certified Canine Advocate, Pawnee, may be on site to greet you during your visit. Her job is to provide comfort to anyone who needs her support. She is not able to accompany children during their interview, but she may sit in the waiting room with a CAC staff member or join clients for therapy, when requested. If you have concerns or allergies, please let us know and we will make sure she stays napping in her “office”, away from client areas.

Canine Advocate, Pawnee

What to Expect

A forensic interview is often a child and family’s first experience with the Children’s Advocacy Center. Our team works with many children and understands that every child responds to trauma in their own way.

It’s natural to have questions or concerns before your visit. To learn more about what may happen during a visit, please explore the Intervention page for additional information about the process and what to expect.

Learn about Intervention
Family members playing with toys
Four children happily play on a wooden jungle gym in a sunny park, surrounded by trees and mountains. They are smiling and enjoying the outdoors.
Two boys playing with an inflatable pool outdoors.
A smiling young girl seated at a classroom table with a notebook and pen in front of her.
A joyful family playing with hula hoops on a sunny lawn. A girl in a pink shirt spins, while others join in the fun. Bright, cheerful atmosphere.
Children play a joyful game outside, forming a tunnel with raised arms. A boy in a plaid shirt ducks through, surrounded by smiling friends.
A group of five children walks across a wooden footbridge in a sunlit park. They appear joyful and adventurous, surrounded by tall grass and trees.
Four children happily play on a wooden jungle gym in a sunny park, surrounded by trees and mountains. They are smiling and enjoying the outdoors.
Two boys playing with an inflatable pool outdoors.
A smiling young girl seated at a classroom table with a notebook and pen in front of her.
A joyful family playing with hula hoops on a sunny lawn. A girl in a pink shirt spins, while others join in the fun. Bright, cheerful atmosphere.
Children play a joyful game outside, forming a tunnel with raised arms. A boy in a plaid shirt ducks through, surrounded by smiling friends.
A group of five children walks across a wooden footbridge in a sunlit park. They appear joyful and adventurous, surrounded by tall grass and trees.

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions before your first visit, please call 269-556-9640 or email info@swmichigancac.org.

Contact Us
Four kids playing behind a tree in the woods