CACMI is the state-wide coordinating agency for the 40 Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC’s) across the state of Michigan. When law enforcement or child protective services believe a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child.

A team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health clinicians, prosecution, Child Protective Services, forensic interviewers, victim advocates, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This multidisciplinary team (MDT), is a core part of the work of CACs do. Across the state, MDTs share a steadfast commitment to get children on the path to healing as soon as possible so they can get back to being kids.