Child Advocacy Center
What is a Child Advocacy Center?
Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) are an important part of child abuse investigations, with a focus on minimizing trauma to the child during the process. They bring together a multidisciplinary team of professionals involved in child protective and victim advocacy services, including law enforcement and prosecution, and physical and mental health providers.
Referral Process
Our CAC can only work with youth referred by CPS or law enforcement.
Services
Forensic Interviews
Providing trauma-informed interviews with child victims regarding the abuse.
Connection to Resources
Helping the child and non-offending family access needed resources.
Emotional Support
Helping the child and non-offending family members process their situation.
Legal Information
Providing vital information about the legal system and what to expect.
Advocacy
Assisting the child and non-offending family in the aftermath of abuse.
Attend Court
Attending court with the child and non-offending family members.
About the CAC
Online Grooming
Having "the talk" isn't enough; learn more about online grooming and how to protect your child. Learn more about preventing and responding to child sexual abuse here.
Report Child Abuse
If you don't report it, who will?
It can be difficult to report child abuse. People often find it easier to ignore it or avoid thinking about the possibility a child may have been abused. But if you don’t report child abuse, the child will be unprotected and the abuse will likely continue. Often, families are ashamed, distressed, or do not know how to ask for help.
If you suspect a child is being sexually or physically abused, reach out to Child Protective Services to report it ASAP at 855-444-3911.
Learn more about reporting on the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website.
Meet our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
The Child Advocacy Center wouldn't be possible without an incredible team of community members coming together to do what's right for the most vulnerable people in our community.
Full List of MDT Members
Advocates and Interviewers
- Virginia Lambert, Copper Shores Victim Support
- Kristine Martens, Copper Shores Outreach & Education
Mental Health
- Kim Green, Copper Shores Vicim Support
- Leslie Griffith, Copper Country Mental Health
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
- Melissa Helppi, Copper Shores Victim Support
- Carey Sullivan, Copper Shores Victim Support
Law Enforcement
- Charlie Klein, Houghton County Sheriff 's Office
- Jeremy Cleary, Michigan State Police
- Tammi Sleeman, City of Hancock Police Department
- John Donnelly, City of Houghton Police Department
Child Protective Services
- Jason Meneguzzo
- Josh DeMarois
Prosecutors
- Daniel Helmer, Houghton County Prosector
- Hilary Baker, Houghton County Assistant Prosector
All Services are Free
All services provided by Copper Shores Victim Services Unit are free of cost.
Contact Us
- Sexual Assault Hotline: 1 (906) 482-5797
- Call Business Line: 1 (906) 482-9077
- Email: vsu@coppershores.org
Office Location
47431 State Highway M26
Unit 5B
Houghton, MI 49931
Copper Shores Victim Support is funded by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
Copper Shores Victim Support is accredited by National Children's Alliance.