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Becoming an Ambassador
What is a Child Advocacy
Center?
Child-focused and community-oriented facility that aids in
the investigations of child physical and sexual abuse
allegations
First CAC developed in Huntsville Alabama in 1985.
Members of the community organized a better
system to help abused children
This is now the National Children’s Advocacy Centers
A Model for all of the CAC’s throughout the Country
Why CAC’s are Needed
Statistically 1 in 4 Girls and 1 in 6 Boys
will be sexually abused by age 18
In 2008, there were 947 official
investigations in the Grand Traverse and
Leelanau areas
Many People in any given community
have knowledge of a child that has been
abused
We need to assist our children and educate
our communities
Michigan
Currently Has 33
Children
Advocacy
Centers Located
Throughout The
83 Counties in
The State
Investigations without a
Child Advocacy Center
Child makes a disclosure of
sexual abuse
Child is interviewed typically 15 times
using inconsistent interview techniques
which equals inconsistent results,
confusion, intimidation, further trauma
to the child
High potential to contaminate the case
Lack of efficiency between criminal
justice system and social services
Investigations using a
Children’s Advocacy Center
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach is
employed
CAC coordinates the investigation and sets up a
forensic interview
Child is interviewed ONCE at the CAC by one
individual who is trained to interview children
Interview is done in a child-friendly facility
using a protocol that is legally sound
Reports are consistent
Time sensitive issues addressed efficiently
What the Traverse Bay
Children’s Advocacy Center
Provides For Our Area
Our Mission
To Protect Children by Providing
Prevention and Multi-Disciplinary
Intervention in Investigation,
Assessment and Treatment of Child
Sexual Abuse and Physical Abuse in an
Environment that is Child Sensitive,
Supportive and Safe
How We Became The TBCAC
In September of 2008, The Tri-County Coalition
for the Prevention of Child Abuse and
Neglect, law enforcement and other concerned
members of the community, discussed the
need to establish a regional child advocacy
center.
By-laws for the organization were drafted
Passionate community members
established an Executive Board, a
Prevention Board and a Board of Trustees
A road trip to the advocacy center in
Ottawa County was made
In such a short time, by the end of 2009, we were ready
to take the next step to establish our center
Establishing Our Center
Space was obtained at
Front Row Centre in
Traverse City
With the assistance of
volunteers we painted,
remodeled and found
furniture, audio and
recording equipment
Early 2010, we began our
search for a director for
the center
Interviews were undertaken
In the Spring of 2010, we selected Brooke
Nettz as our Executive Director
We opened our doors on April 5, 2010
Accomplishments Since Opening
We have been busy providing services to victims
and their families
We have conducted over 100 forensic interviews
Our staff has grown to include not only our
Executive Director but also an Intake
Coordinator, Family Advocate, Clinical
Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator
We have made substantial progress towards our
Accreditation Requirements. Completion
expected Summer of 2011. This will qualify
our Center for Federal Funding
Funding The Center
We have completely self funded our efforts thus far
through the successful fundraising efforts of the
following events:
Annual Spring Golf Outing
Turkey Trot
Dancing with the Stars at the Opera House
Chicken Dinner Event
We have received monetary assistance from community
groups and other organizations including:
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa
& Chippewa Indians
United Way of Northwest
Michigan
Les and Anne Biederman
Foundation
Rotary Charities of Traverse City
First Congregational Church
Women’s Fellows
NCA Expansion Grant
Generous Community Matching
Grant
Schmuckal Foundation
Oleson Foundation
Verizon Wireless
Become an Ambassador of the
Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy
Center
PARTICIPATE IN OUR UPCOMING EVENTS:
Zero Tolerance Event at The State Theatre – April 16th
Spring Golf Outing – May 21st
1st Annual Luncheon – September 15th
Pledge to Our Annual April Ask
Or
Consider Becoming an Angel to Our CAC
Volunteer
Refer a Friend or Family for Assistance and Education
When you finally say something
It Stops.
Our Future
Children will have a safer community
Sex offenders will think twice
Sexual abuse will be talked about
Adults will be vigilant
Community will become passionate about
the CAC and want to protect its
existence
Future Continued
The Center will achieve financial stability
Capital Campaign to provide a permanent
home for the TBCAC
Families who have come through the CAC
will feel supported & empowered
Have prevention programs in the schools
Expand our coverage to Antrim, Kalkaska
and Benzie Counties
TBCAC Board of Directors
Thanks you for you Consideration
Shelly A. Kester, Chair
Nate Alger, Vice Chair
Joseph Hubell, Secretary
Deb Blashill, Treasurer
Brooke Nettz, Executive Director
Anne Morrison-Perry, Barb Cross, Barb Lemcool,
Connie L. Nunemaker, Dawn McLaughlin, Dawn
Wagoner, Gary Aschim, Jim Scherrer, Jo Bullis,
Laurie Lacross, M. Olivia Lagina, Marilyn Vlach,
Noelle Moeggenberg, Tonia Bailey, Patricia “Trish”
Fiebing, Rhonda Estes, & Shirlanna “Charlie” Correia
Together We Can Create A Safer
Community for Our Children!!!!