Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a program of Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM). Program staff members coordinate investigations of child abuse using a multidisciplinary team approach. Prior to CAC’s, a child would have to repeat their narrative multiple times to a variety of different people.

CAC’s bring everyone to the table to hear the narrative at the same time. The multidisciplinary team is comprised of highly-trained child abuse professionals each bringing their own unique area of expertise:

• Children’s Advocacy Center Staff
• Family Advocate
• Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
• Law Enforcement
• Child Protective Services
• Mental Health Professionals
• Medical Professionals

The community can access forensic interview services through Children’s Protective Services and law enforcement.

WRCNM’s Children’s Advocacy Center is an Associate/Developing member of the National Children’s Alliance which demonstrates our commitment to improving services to the children and families in our community.

For more information, call (231) 758-2727.

Pictured are (from left) Joelle Drader, Counseling and Advocacy Program Director; Sarah Holzschu, Forensic Interviewer; and Amanda Girard, Family Advocate.

The CAC supports the WRCNM mission by:

• Assisting in investigations of alleged child physical and sexual abuse.
• Providing a safe, neutral, child-friendly and trauma-informed space where a child can feel comfortable sharing their experience.
• Providing a comprehensive and collaborative approach to investigations.
• Working with community agencies represented by the multidisciplinary team.
• Providing follow-up and counseling.