Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center

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Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center

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The Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center aspires to be a leader in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.

We provide a coordinated response to abuse that puts the child first. Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are community based, child-focused and child-friendly facilities where representatives from many disciplines meet to discuss and make decisions about investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases. CAC’s provide child-friendly, legally sound forensic interviewing services. CAC’s also help make sure your child gets a necessary medical check-up. CAC’s can also help you find the best counselors for you and your child.

11/02/2026

Last week, our Outreach & Prevention Specialist, Kris, represented Lakeshore CAC at the Children Trust Michigan annual Regional Meeting in Roscommon. These meetings are a chance for prevention partners from around the state to connect, strengthen relationships, and deepen our shared understanding of child abuse prevention work. A highlight of this year’s meetings was the Brain Architecture Game – a hands-on experience that illustrates how early experiences shape brain development and how resilience grows over time.

10/31/2026

10/29/2026

Halloween should be scary for the right reasons: haunted houses, spooky movie nights, and cool costumes. Keep a day full of sweet treats from going sour. It’s important to stay alert and be safe when trick-or-treating. ⁠

[Images credit: Safe in the Seat]

10/27/2026

Not sure where to turn for safe sleep resources near you? The state of Michigan is here to help. Follow this link for resources specific to your area: https://www.michigan.gov/.../safe-sleep-resources-by-county

[Credit: Children Trust Michigan]

10/26/2026

💙 WELCOME TO THE TEAM! 💙
Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center is excited to welcome two new part-time contractual trauma therapists to our team! Katie Petoskey is seeing children in families for late afternoon/early evening counseling sessions in Manistee, and Jesse Burke is seeing children and families for late afternoon/early evening counseling sessions in Ludington. We are grateful to have these dedicated professionals joining us in supporting children and families impacted by trauma in our community.

ABOUT KATIE:
Katie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience working in school systems and family service agencies. In addition to providing contract therapy services for the CAC, she works as a Behavioral Health Therapist through Manistee Area Public Schools. Katie enjoys supporting children and families as they navigate life’s challenges, develop coping skills, and build resilience. Having grown up in Manistee and lived in the area for most of her life, she values the close-knit community and appreciates the opportunity to give back to the community she calls home.

FROM JESSE:
My name is Jesse Burke and I am so excited to be partnering with the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center. I am originally from Mason County and after graduating from GVSU and working in Grand Rapids for 5 years in adult behavioral health, my husband and I excitedly moved back to the area. For the past seven years I have provided 1:1 therapy to our youth within the school setting while becoming EMDR and trauma trained. I am excited to continue my passion of working with families and their children through this opportunity with the CAC.

Please join us in welcoming them to the Lakeshore CAC family as we continue our mission to support healing, build resilience, and stand up for kids! 💙

10/22/2026

🏛️ Helping Kids Feel More Prepared for Court 💙

At Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center, we know that going to court can feel overwhelming – especially for a child. That’s why our team is so grateful for the use of model courtrooms at our center, generously made and donated by Imagination Dollhouses for Children.

The detailed model gives our team a hands-on way to help children become familiar with what they may see and experience when they go to court. By using the model during preparation, children can ask questions, learn about the different people and roles they may encounter, and gain a better understanding of what to expect — all in a safe, supportive environment.

For children who have already experienced something difficult, taking away some of the uncertainty surrounding court can make a meaningful difference. 💙

10/20/2026

Infants should always be placed on their back to sleep for naptime and bedtime. Why “Back to Sleep?”

Back sleeping protects a baby’s airway and ensures they can breathe. Babies sleeping on their stomach can sleep too deeply and may not wake up to take a breath. Once baby can roll from back to stomach and from stomach to back, they can be allowed to remain in the sleep position that baby chooses.

For more Safe Sleep tips, check out: https://www.michigan.gov/.../safe-sleep.../safe-sleep-steps

[Credit: Children Trust Michigan]

10/19/2026

Crying in the first few months can be really hard for caregivers, and it happens to everyone. Many shaking injuries occur when someone feels overwhelmed—not because they intend to cause harm. That’s why supporting caregivers with information and tools is so important.

Abusive Head Trauma (sometimes called Shaken Baby Syndrome) can happen with even a short, forceful shake because babies’ heads and necks are still developing. These injuries can be very serious, but they are also preventable.

That’s why the Period of PURPLE Crying program is so helpful. It helps caregivers:
🟣Understand that increased crying in early infancy is normal
🟣Recognize that feeling stressed or frustrated is a common response
🟣Learn simple, safe ways to cope and keep babies protected

When caregivers have good information and support, they can handle tough moments with confidence.

Learn more: https://dontshake.org/purple-crying

10/17/2026

Love your children LOUDLY.

Address

385 Third Street, Suite B
Manistee, MI
49660

Telephone

+12312991400

Website

https://www.lakeshorekids.org/

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