PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center is joining communities across the country this April to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Observed nationally through Prevent Child Abuse America and in Michigan through Children Trust Michigan, the month is dedicated to educating adults about child safety while also highlighting the importance of strong families and supportive communities.
The blue pinwheel, the national symbol for child abuse prevention, represents positive childhood experiences and the collective efforts that help families thrive. With families at the center, each turn of the pinwheel reflects the systems, programs and everyday acts of care that support children.
“At a time when families are navigating rising costs, increased stress, and uncertainty, prevention has never been more important,” said Megan McCarthy, executive director of Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center. “When we invest in families early and often, we create the conditions where children can grow up safe, supported, and full of possibility.”
Why prevention matters
Prevention focuses on reducing pressures before they become crises. When families have access to affordable child care, stable housing, health care, mental health support and strong community connections, children are more likely to grow up in safe, stable environments.
Research shows that positive childhood experiences — including supportive relationships and nurturing environments — help build resilience and improve lifelong well-being. Investing in family-centered support systems can strengthen communities, reduce long-term costs and help keep families safely together.
“Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us that prevention is not just a single program. It’s a coordinated effort across sectors,” McCarthy said. “Each pathway of support — whether it’s home visiting, paid leave, parent support groups, or community partnerships — unlocks new possibilities for children and families.”
April activities and events
Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center will host several events and awareness activities throughout April:
- April 10 — Wear Blue Day: Community members are encouraged to wear blue in support of child abuse prevention and share photos on social media.
- April 9, 5 to 7:30 p.m.: “Stewards of Children” training at the Ludington CAC office.
- April 23, 4 to 6:30 p.m.: “Stewards of Children” training at the Manistee CAC office.
- April 17: CAC forensic interviewer Kirsten Goodspeed and McCarthy will speak with students in the West Shore Community College criminal justice program at the Reimer Public Safety Training Center.
The free “Stewards of Children” training teaches adults how to recognize signs of abuse, respond appropriately when a child discloses abuse and report concerns responsibly. To register, email kristen.cac@gmail.com.
In addition, Lakeshore CAC has donated copies of the children’s book Once I Was Very Very Scared by Chandra Ghosh Ippen to libraries in Mason, Manistee and Oceana counties. The book is used internationally to help children understand and cope with trauma.
Throughout April, the organization will also post daily child safety information on its Facebook page to help raise awareness and encourage community engagement.
About Lakeshore CAC
Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center provides services to children ages 3 to 18 and their non-offending family members when there has been an allegation of sexual abuse, physical abuse, extreme neglect or if a child has witnessed violence.
The organization operates offices in Manistee and Ludington and offers prevention programming, including adult-focused “Stewards of Children” training and youth-focused Safety Matters lessons.
For more information, call 231-299-1400 or visit lakeshorekids.org.
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