NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – Home is a safe haven, a comfort zone, a place where people love, take care of, and protect each other. Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, said “there’s no place like home.” However, the vision and understanding of “home,” may have a different meaning to some who live under the menace of physical and/or sexual abuse.
Those individuals who live in constant fear of the next “episode,” often feel they have no voice. Abusers may say things like: “look what you made me do now,” “what goes on in this house, is no one else’s business.” “If you leave, I will hurt myself.” Perhaps the victim is threatened with more abuse or worse at the hands of their perpetrator. Whether physical or sexual, the abuser can twist the situation to make the abused believe they are the reason the act happens.
One in ten children will face sexual abuse before they turn eighteen. The statistics of child abuse show the greatest to be that of neglect, followed by physical, sexual, and psychological maltreatment. Although it may appear alone, psychological emotional abuse may be a factor in how the abuser is able to exert their control over the other person.
Every sixty-eight seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every nine minutes, that victim is a child. Michigan has the highest rate of rape cases in the United States.
Children treated at NMCAC have experienced severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or may have been witness to, or acted out violently.
Child abuse is a community problem. There is no individual agency that is equipped to handle every aspect of dealing with a victim of abuse. Police agencies, Child Protective Services, hospitals, physicians, Children’s Assessment Centers, schools, and communities, all have a role in protection of the vulnerable. “If you see something, say something.” The Michigan Child Protection Law went into effect in 1975 and requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by doctors, teachers, day care, and any others who work with children.
In 2011, Rebecca Younker moved from Grand Rapids, where she had worked at the Kent County Children’s Assessment Center for fifteen years. Younker realized there was a great need for an assessment center in Roscommon and surrounding counties and founded the Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center. Serving as Executive Director of Roscommon and Tawas offices, Younker, and a staff of twelve at NMCAC, provide services to six counties.
NMCAC has been caring for those in Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Roscommon, Otsego, and Iosco since 2014. All services offered at those locations are free to every child and family served. The mission of NMCAC is to “reduce the trauma of child abuse and neglect by providing prevention, intervention, and advocacy.” The services of NMCAC are available 24 hours a day to anyone in need.
In general, approximately 350 children are referred to centers each year within the six-county area. During COVID, that number increased to over 500. Children had no separation from their abusers.
In addition to offering children and families the services and support they need to begin the healing process, the primary goal of prevention and intervention is to stop future abuse, perhaps into future generations. Secondary preventative measures include looking at specific risk factors, and working with families to see who may be held accountable.
As one might imagine, the need for services has increased, while funding has decreased. For instance, in Michigan, there are only half the number of child psychiatrists needed.
NMCAC along with all assessment centers nationwide are primarily funded through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), non-taxpayer monies from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), for programs that serve victims of crime. The VOCA fund cap is set yearly by the Federal Appropriations Bill, a formula grant program. The VOCA program funds Crime Victim services nationwide.
Younker noted that cuts to VOCA funding have resulted in an over 81% decrease, due to legislative and federal judicial outcome changes. The fiscal 2024 US Senate appropriations bill sets a 1.2-billion-dollar cap on the VCF. Proposed 2024 funding is a $700 million cut nationwide, or 37% less than 2023 fiscal year. Annually, $2 Million dollars has been divided among the forty assessment centers in Michigan.
National legislation wording changed five years ago to only distribute funds accrued from an actual hearing or trial. No money was allotted if there was a plea deal. Previously, funds came from anytime a “federal” crime occurred, and financing included monies from the collection of federal crime fines, forfeitures, and special assessments. The wording was reversed to its original intent about three years ago, however, it takes five years for those changes to take effect.
The Roscommon Assessment Center needs more space and staff. At this time, anyone who may come for therapy, forensic exams, or perhaps an adult in need of a SANE exam (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), are in the same waiting room. That may be uncomfortable for some.
Current plans are to revamp the former detention center into office spaces, and a medical examination room. The Assessment Center will also include a portion of the former Second Chance Academy. The expansion will also allow for five full-time therapists.
Dividing areas of the center will allow for three separate entrances, one for a child coming for therapy, one for those coming for forensic exams, and one for adults and others entering for SANE exams. SANE exams must be done within twenty hours of an assault. The expansion will also allow for further medical examinations. Plans also include a space for school supplies, clothing, bedding, suitcases, and other items needed and available to those who may have been displaced due to the situation.
Fundraising for the 4-million-dollar project will begin soon. Donations are being accepted from private individuals, local foundations, as well as from anyone who would like to help.
For more information, contact Becky Younker at 989-275-7145 or office@nmcac4kids.org
