Children: child abuse or child neglect; use of child advocacy centers in sexual exploitation cases; permit. Amends secs. 2, 3, 7j, 7l, 8 & 8b of 1975 PA 238 (MCL 722.622 et seq.)
Key claim: A Michigan Senate bill would allow child advocacy centers to be used in child sexual-exploitation cases under the state’s child-protection law.
Abstract
(SB1144 · 103rd Legislature) Children: child abuse or child neglect; use of child advocacy centers in sexual exploitation cases; permit. Amends secs. 2, 3, 7j, 7l, 8 & 8b of 1975 PA 238 (MCL 722.622 et seq.) Sponsor: Sen. John Damoose ® In committee: S Civil Rights, Judiciary, And Public Safety Latest action (2026-09-09): Referred To Committee On Civil Rights, Judiciary, And Public Safety
Why this matters
The Child Protection Law governs how Michigan investigates suspected abuse, and child advocacy centers offer a coordinated forensic-interview setting intended to reduce re-traumatization of child victims. Explicitly authorizing their use in sexual-exploitation cases would channel a specific category of investigation into the CAC model rather than standard CPS or law enforcement processes.