The following was written given by Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller in part of a monthly editorial. Additional credit goes to Eagle Village Director of Advancement, Jeremy Prudhomme.

 

At monthly area detective meetings, we have found it evident that child abuse allegations are increasing in our society. As we go around the table, detectives from surrounding agencies all speak of the volume of Child Protection Service referrals their offices are receiving and investigating. Many of these cases involve the use of a local Child Advocacy Center (CAC)—either in White Cloud, Mt. Pleasant, or here, depending on the law enforcement agency’s location. The worrisome trend is the rate at which these referrals are rising, with no sign of slowing down.

Child Advocacy Centers are a vital part of criminal investigations into these allegations. The professionals, who take on the role of interviewing reported child victims, are integral to ensuring that our children are not further victimized. They also help in cases where if disclosures are made, that those responsible are held accountable. The first Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Michigan opened in 1990. The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Michigan (CACMI) was established in 2007 to support and empower local CACs. Their purpose is to coordinate investigations, treatment, and prosecution in child abuse cases by utilizing multidisciplinary teams of professionals. Today, over 90% of Michigan’s children have access to a CAC.

CACs provide a range of services—most importantly forensic interviews, counseling, and advocacy—to help children who have experienced abuse or neglect. For over 56 years, Eagle Village has been a lifeline for Michigan’s most vulnerable children and families. When the Open Arms Children’s Advocacy Center (OACAC) faced closure in 2023 due to lack of funding, Eagle Village stepped in and ensured children in Mecosta and Osceola counties continued to receive the protection, advocacy, and support they deserve. The Eagle Village CAC is located at 125 E. Pine St. in Big Rapids.

Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) exist because the traditional approach to handling child abuse cases is not only overwhelming for the child, but also inefficient and high-risk for law enforcement. Without a CAC, an abused child may be asked to recount their trauma multiple times—to police officers, medical professionals, social workers, and attorneys—each retelling a painful experience that can cause additional harm.

Eagle Village CAC changes that. By providing a neutral, child-friendly setting for forensic interviews, the CAC ensures that a single, expertly trained professional gathers the child’s testimony in a legally sound manner. This approach is not only in the child’s best interest, but also significantly benefits law enforcement agencies. Properly conducted forensic interviews reduce the likelihood of inconsistencies in testimony, minimize courtroom challenges, and ensure evidence is collected in a way that withstands legal scrutiny. In short, CACs help prevent cases from falling apart due to procedural missteps, reducing liability risks for officers and departments.

Additionally, Eagle Village CAC fosters collaboration among law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, and victim advocates. Instead of working in silos, these professionals form a multidisciplinary team that evaluates each case and determines the best course of action. This streamlined process allows law enforcement to focus on their core mission—investigating and prosecuting offenders—while ensuring that child victims receive immediate access to counseling, medical care, and advocacy services.

The impact of CACs on child trauma recovery is undeniable. Studies show that children who receive early intervention and trauma-focused therapy, such as the child and family traumatic stress intervention (CFTSI), experience a significant reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This leads to fewer long-term mental health struggles, better educational outcomes, and stronger communities. When law enforcement and CACs work hand in hand, the entire justice system benefits. Cases then become stronger, victims are supported, and the cycle of abuse is more effectively disrupted.

Despite its critical role, Eagle Village CAC operates entirely on grants, donations, and an annual operating budget exceeding $250,000. It provides these life-changing services at no cost to families, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from receiving the help they need. In 2024, Eagle Village CAC conducted 127 interviews with youth from Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake Counties.

Eagle Village CAC is not just a resource; it is an essential partner for law enforcement, a guardian for children, and a pillar of our community. The work it does cannot be taken for granted. Supporting the CAC means standing with law enforcement, advocating for victims, and investing in a safer future for Michigan’s children. We urge community members, businesses, and policymakers to rally behind this vital program. When we protect our children, we strengthen the very foundation of our society.

We submit this message this month because April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and promote the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. This month serves as a reminder for communities to come together and support families and children by reinforcing strategies that prevent child abuse. Children are our future and should be treated as such. Child abuse and neglect are preventable. By working together, communities can create safer, healthier environments for children. One way to do this is by financially supporting Eagle Village CAC. 

Additional information and access to our referral process can be found at www.eaglevillage.org.