Michigan child advocacy centers ask Legislature for $12 million to close funding gap, warn services and staffing strained

Directors of Michigan children's advocacy centers told the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Health on April 22, 2025, that current state and federal funding is insufficient to meet demand and that centers across the state face staffing shortages and rising caseloads.

"When a child suffers abuse, their world fractures," said Josh Bissell, director of multidisciplinary team training and initiatives for Children's Advocacy Centers of Michigan, at the start of the subcommittee—s presentation. "CACs coordinate these multidisciplinary teams. They ensure that no child falls through the cracks." Bissell represented the statewide chapter that supports 40 centers in Michigan.

The subcommittee heard that Michigan has about 40 children's advocacy centers (CACs) statewide, 33 of which are fully accredited with the National Children's Alliance and seven in developing status. Presenters said five counties (Ontonagon, Gogebic, Cass, St. Joseph and Monroe) lack formal agreements with a local CAC and instead receive courtesy services when requested.

Why it matters: CACs provide trauma-informed forensic interviews, medical exams, victim advocacy, case management and therapy that directors said reduce retraumatization and improve prosecution outcomes. Alex Brace, executive director of Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center and board chair of Children's Advocacy Centers of Michigan, told the subcommittee the centers are seeking two budget actions: $6 million in recurring statewide appropriation and a…