Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact if I suspect abuse or neglect?

In Genesee County, you should contact our local DHS Protective Services hotline by calling 810-760-2222. This hotline is answered 24 hours each day. You can also contact your local law enforcement entity. The Weiss Advocacy Center is a nonprofit agency, and we do not have the authority to investigate child abuse and neglect.

I know something happened to my child, but I can’t get them to talk about it. What do I do?

Be supportive of your child, and let them know that you will love them and care for them no matter what happens. That said, if you suspect abuse, contact protective services or law enforcement so they can investigate. These professionals can set up an interview at our Center if necessary. Or, you can have your child go to counseling so that they will feel more comfortable telling their story.

What is a forensic interview, and what can I expect if my child must have one?

A forensic interview is a fact-finding interview conducted in cases of suspected child abuse. The interview includes questioning of the child and a physical exam. A specially trained interviewer employed by the Weiss Advocacy Center will talk one-on-one with the child in a room equipped with audio/visual recording equipment. Members of a multi-disciplinary team (which can include DHS, police and others) watch the interview from another room and can request additional questions or clarification during the process. This simplifies the interview experience for the child and reduces trauma by limiting the questioning to one person and one time.

The interviewer uses a neutral series of questions. No leading questions or suggestions about what may have occurred will be used. The structured interview approach helps the multidisciplinary team gather complete, accurate information from the child so they can respond more effectively and appropriately to the situation.

How do I access your services?

The Weiss Advocacy Center’s prevention programs, such as mandated reporter training, preventing/identifying child abuse and neglect, and shaken baby and safe sleep information are all available to the general public by contacting us through our website or by calling 810-238-3333.

Other programs, such as coordinating the interview, multidisciplinary team, and advocacy efforts for children in foster care are available only through referrals by law enforcement, DHS, or the Courts.

Most of the Weiss Advocacy Center’s services are free to children and families.

How do I get a CASA volunteer assigned to my case?

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are highly trained community members who provide a powerful voice in the Genesee County court system for children who have been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers are assigned to a case by family court judges when a case needs extra attention to ensure that children are not lost in the system.

The child’s attorney, their foster care workers, the parents’ attorneys, foster parents, biological parents, and/or the child can ask the judge to appoint a CASA volunteer to their case. The judge must issue a court order appointing a CASA volunteer in order for us to get involved.

Where can I go for parenting classes?

The Weiss Advocacy Center works with the Great Start Collaborative of Genesee County to ensure that parenting programs are available throughout our community. Class schedules and availability are constantly changing, so please contact us at 810-238-3333 for updated information.

What can I do to help abused children?

Volunteer at an after-school program for youth.
Help develop parenting resources at your local library or school.
Donate to or volunteer with an organization that serves abused and neglected children, such as the Weiss Advocacy Center at 810-238-3333.
Become a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and provide a voice for children in foster care at 810-238-3333 x4.
Vote for politicians who support funding and development of programs for abused and neglected children.
Host a house party to educate your friends about child abuse and foster care.
Organize events to benefit the child abuse prevention efforts and foster children.
Support families in crisis (such as illness or job loss) by babysitting, cleaning, or cooking meals for them.
Donate luggage, baby items, clothing, toiletries, or school supplies to children in foster care.
Become a foster parent.

How does my gift help?

Your gift to the Weiss Advocacy Center will be used to provide prevention and protection services for children in Genesee County. We use these funds to teach classes and provide prevention outreach services. We also use gifts to maintain the facility in which we conduct our multidisciplinary interviews when there is a suspected case of child abuse.

Why are you called the Weiss Advocacy Center?

The Weiss Advocacy Center was named in honor of Judge Robert E. Weiss of Flint (1940-2009) who loved children, and spent much of his life protecting them in his role as Genesee County prosecutor and later, as chief probate judge. This newly-merged organization has brought together two well-established and highly respected child welfare agencies in Genesee County: the Consortium on Child Abuse and Neglect (C/CAN), and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

C/CAN was established in 1974 to advocate against child abuse and neglect. During the last thirty-five years C/CAN has established a variety of education and prevention programs for the community to help change the child welfare system and prevent abuse.

The Child Advocacy Center was established to provide a place for children to tell their stories in a safe, friendly environment, with a single adult who can compassionately listen, examine, and ask the necessary questions. Behind the scenes, a multidisciplinary team can watch the interviews and ensure that all issues related to prosecution are addressed without asking the child to tell and retell their story.

Together, these agencies now offer a wealth of experience and a continuum of solutions to bring the healing power of hope to children who are victims of abuse or neglect.