Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center

09/24/2026

Thanks to Children Trust Michigan, the Marquette Alger Child Abuse and Neglect Council (CAN Council) was able to support Mather Elementary Schoool in Munising, Michigan, with the purchase of the Second Step Program Kits for Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade. Here is what Principal Shannon DeFrancesco had to say:

"Second Step has been especially beneficial for our early learners. The lessons are interactive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, and our students are really responsive to the activities and discussions. We especially appreciate how the program gives our youngest students concrete ways to learn about identifying and expressing emotions, building positive relationships, showing empathy and kindness, solving problems, and making safe choices. These are important skills that carry over into the classroom, playground, and home.
The new materials will give our staff additional tools to reinforce these skills consistently and help strengthen the connection between social-emotional learning, positive behavior, and student success. We are excited to continue exploring the resources and incorporating them into the supports we provide our students and families.
I would also be happy to get a picture with some of our staff and the Second Step materials for you to share.
Thank you again for thinking of Mather and for all you do to support children and families in our community.
Shannon"

09/24/2026

With school back in session as well as all the extracurricular activities, we want to make sure you have all of the information you need on child car seat do's. Here are 4 steps to keeping your kiddo's safe!

Information provided by: Children Trust Michigan

04/23/2026

S*xtortion is a very real and very serious issue that takes place in all communities. Click on the link to learn about s*xtortion and watch a short video. Please speak up as silence only continues the violence and abuse.

NCMEC’s CyberTipline receives reports regarding suspected child s*xual exploitation, including “s*xtortion,”a new online exploitation crime directed towards children in which non-physical forms of coercion are used, such as blackmail, to acquire s*xual content from the child, engage in s*x wit...

04/15/2026

For S*xual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month please watch this video. Our society victim blames and dismisses S*xual Assaults because of the responses of our bodies. Emily Nagoski does a wonderful job at explaining Arousal Nonconcordance.

The truth about unwanted arousal | Emily Nagoski - YouTube

S*x educator Emily Nagoski breaks down one of the most dangerous myths about s*x and introduces us to the science behind arousal nonconcordance: when there's...

04/14/2026

S*xual assault against men and boys is not rare; it is rarely acknowledged. Learn more about the truth regarding Male Survivors of s*xual assault: https://rainn.org/get-the-facts-about-s*xual-violence-against-men-and-boys

04/14/2026

Check out Lesson 3 from the FightChildAbuse.org K-3 grade levels titled: Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch.

Watch the video below and talk to your kiddos about Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch

K-3 Video - Fight Child Abuse https://share.google/ejtaiQpAZfTmuwQ4P

04/14/2026

📊 Child S*xual Abuse Awareness – Michigan

This is difficult to talk about—but it’s something we need to understand.

• About 1 in 10 children will experience s*xual abuse before age 18
• Only about 30% of cases are ever reported
👉 Most children never tell—or don’t tell right away

• In 90% of cases, the child knows the person
👉 Often a family member, friend, or trusted adult

• Abuse is rarely a one-time event
👉 It often continues for months or even years

💡 What this means:
Child s*xual abuse is more common than many people realize—and it’s often hidden.

❤️ What can we do?
• Believe and support children
• Learn the warning signs
• Create safe, trusted spaces for kids to speak up
* Talk to your children about s*xual abuse and body safety! Make sure they have 3-5 safe adults they can identify to tell if something happens to them.

Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and protected.

Check out the following website: https://rainn.org/

How Does RAINN Help Survivors? No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you’ve experienced, RAINN is here for you. Join Our Community

04/14/2026

Saturday, April 18th is Heathy Kids Day at the YMCA! Come out and see us from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. This is a FREE Event.

Stop at our table with your adult and together you can make a Positive Affirmations jar! 💙

Healthy Kids Day provides the ingredients for developing healthy, resilient kids. Join the YMCA for a day full of fun activities that celebrate kids being kids!

04/13/2026

📊 Child Abuse & Neglect in Marquette County

This is hard to talk about—but important to understand.

In Marquette County:
• About 22 out of every 1,000 children are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect each year
👉 That’s roughly 1 in 45 children

• Over 140 out of every 1,000 children are involved in investigations
👉 Many families are struggling, even if abuse isn’t always confirmed

💡 What this means:
Child abuse and neglect are happening in our community more often than many people realize—and these numbers only reflect reported cases.

Most cases involve neglect, often connected to stress, lack of resources, or families needing more support.

❤️ What can we do?
• Support families in our community
• Learn the signs and speak up when something feels wrong
• Promote safe, supportive environments for children
* Support/join Marquette Alger Child Abuse and Neglect Council

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected.

04/13/2026

Check out Lesson 2 from the FightChildAbuse.org K-3 grade levels titled: Stop, Run, Tell.

Watch the video below and talk to your kiddos about following these steps.

https://fightchildabuse.org/k-3-video/

fightchildabuse.org