The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Lapeer County is dedicated to reducing the trauma experienced by children during investigations of alleged sexual or severe physical abuse. By providing a coordinated, compassionate response, we ensure that young victims receive the support and services they need in a safe, child-friendly environment.
Our Mission and Services
Established in 2008, the CAC of Lapeer County serves children from birth through age 17 who have been victims of abuse or have witnessed violent crimes. Our mission is to minimize the emotional and psychological impact of abuse investigations through advocacy, education, intervention, and treatment. All our services are offered at no cost to the families.
Key services include:
Forensic Interviewing: Specially trained professionals conduct child-friendly interviews on behalf of law enforcement and other investigative agencies. This approach reduces the number of times a child must recount their experience, thereby minimizing additional trauma.
Medical Evaluations: On-site forensic medical exams are provided to assess the child's physical well-being and collect any necessary evidence in a comfortable setting.
Family Advocacy: Our advocate offers continuous support to both the child and their non-offending family members, guiding them through the legal process and connecting them with essential resources including our new addition of our family support room with essentials for families.
Therapy: Recognizing the profound impact of trauma, we offer trauma-informed therapy to help children and their families heal and build resilience.
Prevention and Education: We engage with the community through educational programs aimed at preventing abuse and promoting awareness about child protection.
Car Seat Safety Checks: We've recently introduced this vital service to help families ensure their children are properly secured in their car seats. If a family is in need of a car seat, we’re also able to assist in providing one.
How the Community Can Help
The success of our mission relies heavily on community involvement. Here are several ways you can make a difference:
Volunteering: Your time and skills can have a profound impact. Volunteers assist with various tasks, from administrative support to event planning. To explore current opportunities, please contact us at (810) 664-9990 or visit our center at 1563 Imlay City Rd., Lapeer, MI 48446.
Contributions: Financial contributions are vital for sustaining our programs. Contributions can be made online through our website or by mailing a check to our center. We also accept in-kind contributions of items that support our daily operations and directly benefit the children we serve.
Family Support Room Contributions: We recently created this space in our center to provide families with essential items like hygiene products, clothing, food, and other necessities. We are always in need of contributions to help keep this room stocked and support the families we serve.
Advocacy: Raising awareness about child abuse and the services we offer is crucial. By sharing information, participating in our events, and engaging in community discussions or on our social media, you help amplify our message and extend our reach.
Internships: We offer internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in social work, psychology, or related fields. These positions provide hands-on experience and training under the supervision of our experienced staff. Please note that all internships are unpaid.
Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can support our mission through sponsorships, contributions, or by participating in our events. Such collaborations not only benefit the children we serve but also demonstrate a company's commitment to social responsibility.
Cheer for Children is our next fundraising event which will be on May 28th, 2025.
Contact Us
For more information on our services, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events, please visit our website at https://caclapeer.org/. You can also reach us by phone at (810) 664-9990 or visit our center at 1563 Imlay City Rd., Lapeer, MI 48446. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of children in our community.