Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County

Mission: To protect your child and your family through Education, Intervention, Advocacy and Community Collaboration.

We’re the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County and we’re committed to ending child abuse in our community. The end of child abuse isn’t a goal or a destination. It’s a process and a journey that we’re committed to, every step of the way. The core of our mission is to speak for, to help, and to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

We know that child abuse is bigger than any one person, group or organization. That is why we’ve taken a collaborative approach. We work with teachers and police officers, doctors and therapists, social workers and parents. We work with children. We’re working to prevent child abuse before it starts, to help children who are being abused, and to help heal victims of abuse.

Through our programs we serve over 21,000 children each year in Muskegon County.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)

Our CASA program trains volunteers to advocate for abused or neglected children, providing the court with detailed background information to guide decisions about the child’s future. Appointed by a family court judge, CASA volunteers independently assess cases, recommend what is in the child’s best interest, and collaborate with social workers and attorneys to ensure the child’s voice is heard.

Claudia Fairbanks-Kerr Children’s Advocacy Center

The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provides a compassionate, coordinated response to allegations of child abuse, prioritizing the child’s needs in a friendly, neutral setting. Specialized staff conduct forensic interviews and medical exams as needed, while family advocates offer crisis counseling and resources for parents and caregivers. The CAC ensures families receive case updates, referrals, and ongoing support from a dedicated team.

Services Offered at the CAC:

• Forensic Interviews for Suspected Child Sexual Abuse Victims: The CAC forensic interview gathers information from children about abuse allegations in a developmentally sensitive, unbiased, and legally sound manner, providing critical evidence for investigations and supporting child safety and case management decisions.
• Child Sexual Abuse Medical Examinations: The CAC provides specialized medical evaluations for child victims of sexual abuse, offering critical diagnoses and treatment while creating a safe environment where children may disclose vital information to medical staff.
• Child Sexual and Severe Physical Abuse Case Reviews: The Multi-Disciplinary Team, comprised of professionals like law enforcement, CPS workers, and medical experts, meets monthly to review child abuse cases, share updates, and determine the best course of action to prioritize the child’s well-being.
• Non-Offending Parent Support Group/Therapy: The focus is on supporting and educating non-offending caregivers to understand the emotional impact of sexual abuse, through therapy and support groups, empowering them to advocate for their child(ren)’s needs.
• Therapy for Child Victims: The Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County offers trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to help children and their caregivers heal from the emotional and behavioral effects of traumatic experiences like sexual abuse, domestic violence, and traumatic loss. TF-CBT is an evidence-based approach designed to reduce trauma-related symptoms and promote recovery.
• Court Preparation and Support: The Children’s Advocacy Center supports families of sexually abused children by educating them about the legal process, addressing common concerns, and providing strategies to cope with the stress of legal action at various stages.

Prevention through Education

To end child abuse, we need to talk openly about a subject that is extremely uncomfortable. We provide age-appropriate prevention education for children and young adults, covering topics like personal safety, healthy relationships, and human trafficking awareness. Our programs also empower parents to recognize and prevent abuse, while educating professionals on their responsibilities to protect children, ensuring a comprehensive approach to ending child abuse.