Our Services

Hearing the story.

Imagine the fear and pain a child must feel when recounting the story of their sexual abuse.

Now imagine having to tell that story over and over again, to multiple people in multiple places. Your anguish would be magnified and extended, further traumatizing both you and the people who love you.

The Children’s Advocacy Center brings together under one roof all the resources a sexually abused child might need, so they don’t have to keep reliving the abuse.

Healing the pain.

Law enforcement, Children’s Protective Service workers, medical personnel, and counselors come together here to interview, assess and safeguard children who may have been sexually abused.

Our services include forensic interviews, therapy, and family advocacy. All services are provided in a safe, sensitive, child-centered environment. They are free of charge to all children and non-offending family members throughout Kent County.

Halting the cycle.

Our Kids Have Rights program goes into Kent County Schools to equip K-4 students with age-appropriate tools for protecting themselves against sexual abuse, and to encourage them to report current or past abuse. We also conduct Stewards of Children® sexual abuse prevention training to teach adults how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

Law Enforcement

We work closely with the Grand Rapids Police Department and Kent County Sheriff’s Office and provide in-house offices for detectives who focus exclusively on suspected child sexual abuse.

Children’s Protective Services (CPS)

The Center also houses CPS workers, who are responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect in Michigan. Working here alongside law enforcement means they spend less time coordinating efforts—phone calls, emails, etc.—and more time actually investigating complaints.

Help for Parents

Parents can call the Center directly to request assessment services if they have concerns about a child’s behavior, questions about normal development, or suspicions that their child has been sexually abused.

If a child discloses sexual abuse, parents should file a report online or immediately call Children’s Protective Services: 1-855-444-3911.