Childrens Advocacy Centers:

Childrens Advocacy Centers are free programs that facilitate multi-disciplinary team investigation of cases of child maltreatment. CACs provide child-friendly, legally sound interviewing services. CACs also will help make sure that your child gets a necessary medical check-up. CACs also can help you find the best counselors for you and your child.

Resources for Healing:

Agencies in Gratiot CountyGratiot County Community Mental Health Wright Ave, Alma, MI 48801 989-463-4971 Medicaid Accepted; sliding fee scale Womens Aid Services, Inc. Gratiot County 989-463-6014 Free of charge

Internet ResourcesThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network Nctsn.org The National Center for Victims of Crime http://www.victimsofcrime.org/home

Guide for Caregivers

What to Say After the Interview

After the interview, let your child know that you support them by telling them something like: Im proud of you for telling. You were brave to tell. What happened is not your fault. I believe you. I am sorry this happened to you. Im going to do everything I can to help you and protect you.

Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry www.mipsor.state.mi.US/

Childrens Advocacy Center of Gratiot County linkforfamilies.org 1-989-463-1422

Process Summary: What Happened at the Center Today?

1. The ReferralThe family is referred to the Childrens Advocacy Center of Gratiot County. 2. The IntakeThe family sets an appointment for an interview at the Childrens Advocacy Center. 3. The InterviewThe parents/caregivers meet with the Family Advocate and the child meets with the Forensic Interviewer at the Childrens Advocacy Center. 4. The MeetingThe parents will meet with the Multi-Disciplinary Team after the child has been interviewed. 5. The Follow-upThe parents will receive follow-up phone calls from the Family Advocate at specific time intervals. The family may receive referrals on services offered in the community. 6. The InvestigationDHS worker and/or the Law Enforcement Officer will continue to investigate the case. 7. The DecisionGratiot County Prosecutors Office will make the decision on prosecution of the suspect.

Is Counseling Needed?
Signs that your child may benefit from counseling therapy: Trouble sleeping Not wanting to eat or eating too much Fears of certain people, places, or being left alone Sudden fears of going to school/poor school performance Wanting to be alone more than usual Crying for no obvious reason Fear of being separated from parents or caregivers Regression to a previous developmental stage Sexual behavior inappropriate for his or her age If your child gets stuck at a point of talking or playing the abuse You are overwhelmed by the behavior that you are seeing from the child

Caregivers Jobs:
Love and Safety- Providing your child with these things will help them recover from trauma and continue to develop. Communicate that the abuse is not the fault of your child. Communicate that all emotions are acceptable in your house. Let Your Child Start and Lead the Discussion Keep Your Child Away from the Suspect Let Your Child be a Child- Your child is dealing with a lot of their own emotions about the interview and abuse. Do not burden them with your frustrations and helplessness about the process. The Interview May Not be the End- Your child needs to know that it is possible that someone will need to talk to them again. Protect Your Childs Privacy- The only people you need to share information with are Law Enforcement, the Prosecutor, Child Protective Services, and the Forensic Interviewer. Be Supportive- The most important factor in helping a child recover is the strong support of a parent/caregiver. Remember to tell them that they did a good job talking to the interviewer and that they were very brave.

Is a Medical Check-up Needed?

The Multidisciplinary team will determine if a medical exam is necessary. If an exam is needed, the team will refer you to a medical provider.