FAQs

At the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan, families find care, guidance and support in one place.

When a child comes to the CAC, they share their story once with a specially trained forensic interviewer who knows how to ask questions in a safe and developmentally appropriate way. A multidisciplinary team observes the interview and works together to understand what happened and determine the best next steps.

That team may include law enforcement, Child Protective Services, medical professionals, therapists, victim advocates and prosecutors. Together, they create a coordinated plan to support the child and family.

Depending on each child’s needs, services may include therapy, family advocacy, medical exams, courtroom preparation and connections to additional community resources.

Through this collaborative approach, the CAC helps children feel heard, supported and empowered as they begin the journey toward healing and hope.

Before Children’s Advocacy Centers served our community, families often had to navigate a complicated system when a child experienced abuse.

Children might be asked to share their story multiple times with different agencies. Medical exams, counseling and legal support often took place in separate locations. During an already painful time, parents and caregivers were left to manage appointments, investigations and questions without clear guidance.

This process could unintentionally add stress and confusion for children and their families.

Children’s Advocacy Centers were created to change that experience—providing a coordinated, child-centered approach that places a child’s safety, wellbeing and voice at the center of every step.

No. Services provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center are offered at no cost to children and their non-offending caregivers. The CAC is a nonprofit organization supported through grants, community partnerships, and generous donors who help ensure families can receive care, support, and resources when they need them most.

Most children are referred to the CAC by law enforcement or Child Protective Services after a concern about abuse has been reported. These professionals work with the CAC to ensure children and families receive coordinated care and support.

When families arrive at the CAC, they are welcomed into a child-friendly environment designed to help children feel comfortable and safe. Depending on the situation, the visit may include a forensic interview, meeting with a family advocate, and discussions with members of the multidisciplinary team about next steps and available support services.

Each child’s situation is different, and our team will guide families through the process and answer any questions along the way.

Each visit is different, but most appointments at the CAC last about one to two hours. This allows time for the child to speak with a forensic interviewer and for caregivers to meet with members of the CAC team to discuss resources and next steps.

Caregivers usually do not sit in the interview room because children often speak more freely when they are talking privately with the interviewer. However, caregivers remain nearby and are supported by CAC staff during the process.

The Children’s Advocacy Center works closely with law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and prosecutors, but it is an independent nonprofit organization. The CAC’s role is to provide a safe, child-focused environment where professionals can work together to support children and families.

If you see a police vehicle in the parking lot, please don’t be concerned. A law enforcement officer—often a local detective—may be present as part of the multidisciplinary team and observes the interview from a separate, private room.

You can simply tell your child they are going to a safe place to talk with someone whose job is to listen and help keep them safe. Let them know they are not in trouble and that it is okay to tell the truth. 

Try to avoid asking many questions about what happened before your visit. That way, your child will only need to share their story once with the trained interviewer.

Members of the multidisciplinary team will discuss to determine next steps. Depending on the child’s needs, families may be connected with therapy, advocacy services, medical care, or additional community resources.

The CAC team continues to support children and caregivers throughout the healing process.

Child sexual abuse can affect children and families in every community. It occurs across all racial, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic groups—and it happens in Berrien County more often than many people realize.

Because abuse often occurs within relationships of trust, it can leave families feeling confused or isolated. The important thing to remember is that help is available. The Children’s Advocacy Center is here to provide care, support, and guidance for children and non-offending caregivers as they begin the path toward healing.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan is part of a statewide and national network of Children’s Advocacy Centers working to protect children and reduce the trauma of abuse investigations.

In Southwest Michigan, this work is made possible through the collaboration of community partners, dedicated professionals and generous supporters who share a commitment to protecting children and helping families heal.

Together, we are building a community where children are safer, families are supported and hope is always possible.