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THE CHILD ABUSE COUNCIL OF MUSKEGON COUNTY HAS SERVED AREA CHILDREN FOR 25 YEARS!!
MISSION
Our mission is to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect through education, child advocacy, and community collaboration.
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT?
- Physical abuse: Physical punishment so severe that it leaves marks, bruises, scars, or fractures.
- Physical neglect: the failure to provide the necessities of life for a child. This includes the lack of medical care, inadequate nourishment, inappropriate clothing, lack of supervision, and inadequate housing.
- Sexual abuse: Child sexual abuse is the exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or any significant older person. It is called incest if it occurs between family members. It can include a variety of behaviors such as fondling, verbal stimulation and pornography and many more violent behaviors such as rape.
- Emotional abuse and neglect: Sometimes emotional abuse is not what is done but what isn't done. Children who receive no love, support, or guidance may carry those scars into adulthood.
Child abuse has lifelong effects. An abusive childhood situation disrupts healthy psychological development.
To report a suspected case of child abuse, please call protective services at (231) 733-8281.
WHAT IS THE CHILD ABUSE COUNCIL DOING TO HELP?
- Education: The Council educates the community about child abuse and neglect. We are in the schools teaching grade specific materials to children about personal safety, anger, conflict management, and the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy. We provide adults with positive parenting information and offer parenting classes. We provide ongoing professional training to those working with children and families.
The Council educates local, state and national policy makers about children’s issues to ensure that these concerns receive attention.
- Advocacy: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings. These dedicated individuals are a child’s voice in court.
- Treatment: The Council provides direct services to children through the Claudia Fairbanks Children’s Advocacy Center. Children are interviewed in a child-friendly setting in an age appropriate manner at the Center. Medical examinations are conducted by specially trained medical professionals. And, children and their families receive counseling to assist with the healing process.
- Community Collaboration: The Council collaborates with other agencies in the community to provide services in support of abused children. The Council is a member of the Family Coordinating Council of Muskegon County and United Way of Muskegon County. The Council sits on various committees dealing with the issues of parenting and family violence.
Do you want to make a difference? Click here now, please.
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