Children’s Advocacy Center

The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-friendly hub where Muskegon County children (birth–17) who have experienced abuse receive coordinated, trauma-informed care—free of charge. In one safe location, specially trained staff provide forensic interviews and forensic medical exams, therapy, court and victim advocacy, and ongoing family support. The CAC convenes a multidisciplinary team (law enforcement, CPS, prosecutors, medical and mental health partners) to reduce retraumatization and streamline services tailored to each child’s needs. Recent results show strong impact, including most children gaining coping skills in counseling and reporting greater comfort during the interview process.

This work advances United Way of the Lakeshore’s mission and priorities for Healthy Families/Individuals and Mental Health by creating a safer environment for children and stabilizing families—especially ALICE households facing financial and logistical barriers to care. By mobilizing community partners, delivering evidence-based services in a single accessible setting, and connecting caregivers to essential resources (transportation, utilities, food, and more), the CAC converts community collaboration into measurable healing and safety for Muskegon’s kids.