Building communities where children are free from abuse & neglect
Our centers serve as a voice and an advocate for children throughout Arenac, Bay, Huron, and Saginaw Counties. Together, we will build a future where the innocence of childhood is preserved, where families are strengthened, and where every child knows they are loved, valued, and worthy of protection.
A place to turn for hope, healing, and a safer future
CAN Council is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education, intervention, and advocacy at no cost to families. We provide expert forensic interviews and victim advocacy at our CACs (Children's Advocacy Centers), support survivors in the court system through our CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program, and conduct educational programs to prevent abuse. Our Rolling Family Resource Center breaks barriers by directly delivering vital resources and support to families in need, utilizing trusted community relationships.
Since 1979, we've made a lasting impact through compassionate advocacy
CAN Council's collaborative approach has profoundly impacted the lives of children and families through prevention, intervention, and advocacy services. By amplifying the voices of those in need, we have championed the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable children and families across four counties. As a result, thousands of children and families have found safety, support, healing, and hope in the face of adversity.
Survivors of child abuse have found support through our center
Our Services
Our services collaborate to break the cycle of abuse and neglect, ensuring every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment, supported by strong families and communities.
Children's Advocacy Center (CAC)
At our center, children find a safe haven where their voices are honored. Whether they have experienced abuse, neglect, or witnessed violence, we offer support.
Prevention Education
CAN Council hosts a range of workshops, classes and trainings that aim to equip parents, educators, kids, and the larger community with skills to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
A CASA Volunteer is appointed by a Family Court Judge and serves as the voice of children in the court system who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Rolling Family Resource Center
Rolling out in Huron and Saginaw Counties, community resources are taken on the road providing prevention education, concrete support, and existing services directly to families in their neighborhoods.
Community Testimonials
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A Safe Space
“The CAN program did a wonderful job on making sure my children felt safe and secure. They were very informative and helpful.”
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Comfort is a Priority
“CAN Council is a very private place to go to for children to talk about what has happened to them or why they are acting out. The staff are friendly and they make you as comfortable as possible.”
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Super Friendly
“Everyone on the team is super friendly and made my child feel comfortable going through the entire process.”
You can invest in the resilience and happiness of our children by donating, becoming a volunteer, or attending an event. Together, let's rewrite the narrative for countless families, offering them the tools and support needed to break the cycle of abuse and build a brighter, safer future for our children.
Your support fuels our mission
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about CAN Council's services, how to get involved, and what to do if a child needs help.
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CAN Council's Children’s Advocacy Center, a nationally accredited program, serves as a beacon of hope and healing for children across Arenac, Bay, Huron, and Saginaw Counties at no cost to families. At our center, children find a safe haven where their voices are not just heard, but honored.
Whether they have endured physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or the trauma of witnessing violence, we offer a lifeline of support. Through expert forensic interviews and medical examinations conducted in a secure and nurturing environment, we strive to provide a path toward healing.
Our mission extends beyond the child alone; we offer ongoing support to their non-offending families and guardians, recognizing that healing is a collective journey. Our Children's Advocacy Center plays a pivotal role in aiding the investigation of child abuse while fostering an atmosphere of safety and trust.
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A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer is appointed by the Family Court Judge and serves as the voice of children in the court system who have experienced abuse and neglect as well as children in the juvenile justice system. They provide factual, independent and objective information regarding the status of children involved in child protective proceedings.
The CASA Volunteer compliments the duties of other professionals involved in neglect and abuse cases. Other professionals include, but are not limited to, the Court, protective service workers, foster care workers, prosecuting attorneys, the Guardian Ad Litem, attorneys for the respondent parents, and mental health professionals.
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If you suspect a chid is being neglected or abused, make a report today. Call Michigan Children’s Protective Services (CPS) at 1-855-444-3911 – any time, day or night. Reports can be made anonymously. If you witness child abuse occurring, call 911 immediately, then call Michigan Children’s Protective Services (CPS) at 1-855-444-3911.
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A forensic interview is a one-time, recorded conversation intended to collect a child's specific details in cases of suspected abuse or witness to violence. The interview is conducted by a specially trained CAN Council staff member. Interviews are conducted with care and avoid leading questions. Representatives from agencies like law enforcement and children’s protective services observe the interview remotely as part of the investigation.
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The purpose of a forensic medical exam is to collect evidence and document trauma if present. It is also performed to reassure the child and family that their body is okay. Medical Exams are performed on-site by a pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at CAN Council’s Saginaw facility. Medical exams in Arenac, Bay, and Huron Counties are provided by a local trusted partner or at our Saginaw facility.
Our Corporate Partners
Have a specific question?
Need help, have questions, want to donate or get involved? Reach out to us. We're here to help.