state-of-michigan---childrens-trust-fund-140

Children Trust Michigan Supported 150,000+ Families in 2025 - Even Bigger Impact is Ahead

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:18:18 GMT

150,000+ Families Supports in 2025 - Even Bigger Impact Ahead

Children Trust Michigan supported 150,000+ Families in 2025 — And Even Bigger Impact Is Ahead

At Children Trust Michigan (CTM), our mission has always been clear: prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families in every Michigan community. In 2025, thanks to dedicated partners and supporters across the state, CTM-funded programs reached more than 151,000 Michigan families, offering essential services, education and support that help children thrive.

As the only statewide organization solely focused on child abuse and neglect prevention, CTM works hand‑in‑hand with local partners and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to deliver meaningful, community-driven prevention services.

Statewide Partnerships That Strengthen Families

CTM provides funding, training and resources to a broad network of child abuse prevention partners in all 83 Michigan counties. These partnerships create real impact on the ground —empowering local organizations to deliver parent and caregiver education, provide student-focused prevention programming, support early childhood development, connect families to vital resources, and offer welcoming, community-based family strengthening services.

Family Resource Centers: Meeting Families Where They Are

A significant number of families served in 2025 engaged with one of CTM’s supported Family Resource Centers (FRCs) — community-led hubs that focus on empowering families through compassionate, comprehensive support.

FRCs help families access essential items, public benefit navigation, housing and transportation support, mental and physical health referrals, substance use resources and legal aid.

Celebrating Positive Childhood Experiences Through the HOPE Framework

CTM continued expanding its work with the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) framework, which emphasizes the power of positive childhood experiences as a foundation for long‑term well‑being.

2025 Highlights: A Year of Awareness, Advocacy & Action

• Child Abuse Prevention Month campaigns including Wear Blue Day and the annual rally at the state Capitol

• The 23rd annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction raising more than $700,000

• Expansion of prevention services statewide

Looking Ahead to 2026

CTM’s prevention priorities include prevention of abusive head trauma in infants, child sexual abuse prevention education, expansion of Family Resource Centers, and family support and caregiver education.

Learn More & Get Involved

Explore programs, access resources or learn how to support prevention efforts at childrentrustmichigan.org.

February 2026

Peer-to-Peer Positivity: How Parent Cafes Facilitate Prevention

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:31:03 GMT

Peer-to-Peer Positivity: How Parent Cafes Facilitate Prevention

Parenting is hard work. Even if you become a parent with a heart full of love and the best intentions, it is a challenge unlike anything else you will ever face — a 24/7 responsibility that places unprecedented demands on your mental, emotional and financial capacities.

Many find parenthood to be the most rewarding aspect of their lives, but even the best- prepared, most secure caregivers occasionally find themselves feeling overwhelmed. In these moments, it becomes especially important to tap into support systems. Those

who do not have sources of external support are more likely to take frustrations out on their children.

In many ways, child abuse prevention begins with connection. When parents feel supported, informed and empowered, they’re better equipped to create safe, nurturing environments for their children. That’s why Parent Cafés are an important part of Michigan’s prevention landscape.

Parent Cafés are parent-led groups that provide an important venue for caregivers to talk to peers about the challenges and joys of child rearing. These gatherings foster important protective factors against abuse, including social connections, emotional resilience and knowledge of parenting and child development. Caregivers learn from one another, build trust and discover practical tools to navigate challenging issues. The result is stronger families, safer children and healthier communities.

CTM’s Prevention Partner network facilitates Parent Cafés across the state. Some sessions feature general sharing and discussion. Others tackle specific topics, including the Treehouse Family Resource Center in Houghton, which facilitates monthly cafés with specific focus areas.

Treehouse’s August café gave parents an opportunity to discuss commonly debated issues like screen time, artificial intelligence interactions and other tech-related subjects ahead of children returning to school.

“We offer some prompt questions for parents to get together in a safe and lighthearted environment where they can talk about different issues related to technology, screens and AI,” said Kevin Weir, Treehouse’s Parent Café facilitator, explaining the center’s process. “For example, our prompt question was ‘What role does technology play in your family’s daily routine?’ When parents come together, they connect with each other and learn from each other.”

Whether you’re navigating screen time, sibling rivalry or just looking for community, Parent Cafés offer a place to be heard, supported and inspired. Because prevention doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when we come together.

October, 2025

Uplifting Michigan Children for More Than 40 Years: The CTM Story

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:40:44 GMT

Uplifting Michigan Children for More Than 40 Years: The CTM Story

Few things are as heartwarming as seeing a child truly happy. A joyful child’s eyes shine, and their smile is wide and free from the worries often carried by adults. At Children Trust Michigan, our mission is to help keep those smiles

bright. Every day, we work to make sure no child has their happiness dimmed by abuse or neglect.

For more than 40 years, we have known that stopping abuse before it happens is not only possible — it’s essential. By helping families grow stronger, we can break the cycle of abuse before it begins. We make sure every program we support is backed by research shaped to fit each community’s needs. Working with our Prevention Partners in all 83 Michigan counties, we help families build strength, find hope and succeed on their own.

A Revolutionary Vision:

One of the earliest, most impactful authorities on child abuse prevention was Dr. Ray Helfer, a longtime professor at Michigan State University. In 1968, he co-wrote The Battered Child , a groundbreaking book about child abuse that later become a documentary.

Dr. Helfer believed that simply reacting after abuse happened was not enough. He knew that real change would only come from preventing abuse before it happened.

In the 1970s, he worked to promote prevention programs that focused on kindness and helping families. But he saw that most funding went to helping children after abuse had already happened. He wanted a better system — one that would provide steady funding for prevention in every state. By the early 1980s, he came up with the idea of special trust funds, created by law, to pay for prevention programs. Over time, all 50 states adopted some version of his idea.

CTM's Early Days:

In 1982, Michigan became the second state to establish a prevention-oriented trust fund. State Representatives Debbie Stabenow and Curtis Hertel Sr. joined forces to sponsor legislation that created the Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan. This powerful act authorized the state treasurer to place a line item on the Michigan income tax form so taxpayers could donate directly to the fund. It also established a governing board to administer the fund and guide statewide prevention activities. In its early years, the trust fund primarily focused on supporting four types of programs:

Neighborhood centers offering short-term respite for caregivers.
Aid to expecting mothers and partners with newborns.
Education directly engaging with children and providing them with knowledge to safeguard themselves against abuse.
After-school care.

These programs showed clear, positive impacts and continue to receive support to this day.

Modern Prevention Efforts:

In 2023, the Children’s Trust Fund rebranded as Children Trust Michigan. This seemingly small change represents our enduring commitment to securing smiles for all Michigan children. Today, we work with more than 100 Prevention Partners to offer programs such as:

Parent education and support groups to help caregivers build stronger, healthy relationships with their children.
Home visiting programs where trained professionals guide and encourage families during the early years.
Community-based family activities that bring people together, reduce loneliness, and build support networks.
School-based personal safety education for children that teach them how to spot unsafe situations, set boundaries, and ask trusted adults for help.
Period of PURPLE Crying program, which teaches ways to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Plans for the Future:

At CTM, we know that the work of prevention is never finished. Creating a culture of support and care requires constant effort. As we continue to uphold our mission, we have a few key focus areas.

One of our main goals is to grow Michigan’s Family Resource Center Network. We currently partner with 11 centers across the state. These centers are a “one-stop shop” for families, offering many kinds of help in one place.

In 2026, we will also give more funding to Prevention Partners so they can start or expand child sexual abuse prevention programs in grades K–12. These programs will use proven lessons that fit each community’s needs.

We will keep focusing on strengthening families because strong families are the best way to prevent abuse and neglect. By supporting parents, caregivers, and communities, we are building a Michigan where every child can grow up safe, supported and free to shine. CTM is committed to continuing these efforts to because we know the power of strong families and the positive impact on children.

The work of prevention is not done by one organization alone. It’s a collective effort. Whether you volunteer, advocate, donate or simply share our message, you are part of the movement to protect Michigan’s children.

Together, we make prevention possible.

Making Sure Back-to-School Rules!

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:17:16 GMT

Making Sure back-to-School Rules!

Back-to-school season is often a hectic time for families. Shuffling schedules to accommodate new routines, saying goodbye to summer friends and activities, having to acquire classroom supplies … all of these can contribute to heightened levels of stress and anxiety for children and caregivers. Minimizing this stress can help set kids up for success all year long by giving them a firm launching pad of positivity as they navigate new environments.

Helping Children Adjust

There are a number of proactive ways to help children make the transition from summer vacation to the school year. Here are just a few:

Stimulate enthusiasm. A positive mindset often leads to positive outcomes. Caregivers can help kids get excited by demonstrating their own excitement and interest. Asking questions like “What class or teacher are you most excited for?” or “Who haven’t you seen this summer that you are excited to see when school starts?” reinforces the positive aspects of going back to school and gives them something to look forward to.
Re-start school bedtime routines early. Routines are critical for child development, but bedtimes often shift a little over the summer. Easing children back into a school bedtime schedule ahead of time by putting them to bed a little earlier and getting them up a little sooner can lead to lower stress levels when school is officially in session.
Ease back into schoolwork. If you have not been doing specific, school-like assignments during the summer, now is a great time to start. For example, you can give a reading-age child a short book to read. After they are done, have them tell you about the story and what it means to them.
Connect with the school staff and peers. Making early contact with people who children will encounter at school establishes familiarity, easing anxiety and forming meaningful connections. Many schools host events before the year begins that provide the opportunity to meet staff and explore the facilities in a low-pressure setting.
Talk it out. It is normal to have worries about new situations. Encourage an open dialogue with your kids to discuss any concerns. Together, you can discuss strategies for dealing with these feelings.

Support for Caregivers

Caregivers navigating the needs of multiple children and having to pay for all that goes with a new academic year can compound back-to-school stress. When dealing with excessive anxiety, support networks take on increased importance.

Support comes in many forms. The hands-on help of family members and friends is often a crucial component, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, community organizations can be a source of additional assistance.

Children Trust Michigan’s (CTM’s) network of Prevention Partners is a valuable resource to parents in times of need. We have more than 100 partners who cover each of Michigan’s 83 counties — including 11 dedicated Family Resource Centers that directly offer concrete supports.

Learn more about the network here .

P.S. Remember CTM When You Renew!

August is the most common birth month in the U.S. which, in Michigan, means plenty of people renewing car registrations. That’s usually not considered an exciting chore, but it is an opportunity to advance the mission of prevention.

You can showcase your support for Michigan kids by purchasing a specialty CTM license plate. Featuring our colorful pinwheel logo, this unique plate catches plenty of eyes, raising awareness as well as funds. You can (literally) drive change everywhere you go!

Each plate purchase contributes directly to safer communities for Michigan children. Request a plate at any Michigan Secretary of State office, directly through the SOS online services portal, by mailing a fundraising plate order form or when buying a new vehicle at a Michigan dealership. Plates cost $35, with $25 going directly to CTM. Each renewal cycle donates an additional $10 to CTM.

August 2025

Positive Summertime Experiences Put Safety First

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:51:08 GMT

Positive Summertime Experiences Put Safety First

Every Michigan season has its charms, but none captures the free-spirited whimsy of a happy childhood quite like summer. Abundant sunshine combines with our state’s emerald forests and more than 3,000 miles of coastline to form the perfect playground.

Summer is a prime opportunity for kids to build the kinds of experiences that support lifelong mental and physical health. At Children Trust Michigan (CTM), we’re focused on creating a brighter future for children across the state, and the HOPE framework — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences — is an important tool in our approach.

Some of the most joyful summer memories are made at the pool — a feast for all five senses, full of cool water to touch, big splashes to hear, colorful towels to see, sunscreen to smell and, often, refreshing snacks to taste.

The pool can also be a place to experience supportive mentorship. A child learning how to swim with the encouragement of a trusted adult by their side isn’t just learning an important and lifesaving skill. They’re learning connection, confidence and belonging. It’s a great example of a Positive Childhood Experience (PCE).

Unstructured playdates, nature hikes with friends, catching fireflies at night — these classic summertime outings can help children build resilience, process emotions and develop problem-solving skills in real-time.

Summer’s positive experiences are many, but there are pitfalls to be aware of.

Some of summer’s dangers are environmental. The sun causes burns and dangerous temperatures that can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death — particularly when combined with overexertion or hot cars. An average of 37 children die each year after being left in vehicles on hot days. It is important to remember that it is NEVER safe to leave children alone in a vehicle. If you see this, call 9-1-1. Every minute matters. Additionally, keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach when not in use so that kids can’t gain access to cars unattended.

Bodies of water present drowning risks. Bicycles, grills, playgrounds, fishing poles and other staples of summer all pose potential hazards — particularly to younger children left unattended. In the summer of 2023, nearly 200,000 children suffered injuries related to summertime activities that landed them in the emergency room, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Overnight camps, pool parties, visits to relatives and sleepovers with friends are all notable summer pastimes. They are great opportunities for children to play, learn and grow outside their everyday routines. But they also bring kids into contact with many people under different levels of supervision, making it extra important to ensure they are familiar with body safety principles and how to implement them.

Share these key lessons with your kids to stay safe during summer

interactions:

Trust Your Instincts – If something feels off, listen to your gut. It's OK to say no or walk away from uncomfortable situations.
It’s Your Body – Your body belongs to you. No one should touch you in a way that makes you feel unsafe, and you never have to keep secrets about inappropriate touch.
Safe Adults and Safe Spaces – Identify trusted adults you can turn to and places where you feel secure. If you need help, speak up right away.
Secrets vs. Surprises – Learn the difference. Safe adults don't ask kids to keep secrets, especially ones about touch, gifts or interactions that make them feel nervous.
Speak Up – Practice saying “NO” confidently and reporting concerns to trusted adults.
Help Others Stay Safe – If you see a friend in distress, encourage them to speak up. Supporting each other makes a big difference.

Teaching children these concepts helps them enjoy spending time with others and making new friends while staying safe. To learn more about body safety principles and other prevention lessons, it’s a great idea to connect with a CTM Prevention Partner near you. CTM has more than 100 partners serving each of Michigan’s 83 counties. Check out the full list.

Together we can help ensure every child can positively experience the full magic of a Michigan summer, learning, laughing and growing in HOPE.

Focus On Fatherhood: Engaged Dads Contribute to Happy, Healthy Kids

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:51:44 GMT

Focus on Fatherhood:

Engaged Dads Contribute to Happy, Healthy Kids

Prevention is all about family. At Children Trust Michigan, we know that each member of the family plays an indispensable role in ensuring a child’s well-being. That’s why we promote a multifaceted approach to prevention that aims to strengthen families in all areas.

The role of father engagement in prevention efforts has been a point of increased emphasis in recent years. Studies consistently show a father’s involvement is associated with better outcomes for nearly every measure of a child’s well-being.

Engaged fathers help prevent abuse and neglect in numerous ways, bolstering multiple protective factors.

Parental Resilience: Fathers Share Burdens

Parenting comes with stress. It’s unavoidable. This stress can seep into the family dynamic creating a charged environment that studies have linked to numerous developmental problems for children. Fathers who are emotionally present and active in their children's lives help mitigate this stress.

By sharing burdens, dads can help relieve stress on mothers or other primary caregivers. The additional support to share the child-rearing workload significantly reduces the likelihood that one or the other becomes overwhelmed.

Furthermore, fathers who develop and demonstrate positive stress management techniques — whether through exercise, mindfulness or seeking emotional support — provide their children with another ready example of how to safely navigate adversity. This, in turn, fosters resilience in children, helping them manage their own emotions and setbacks.

Social Connections: Fathers Expand Support Systems

Social connections are vital in safeguarding families from isolation — a significant risk factor for abuse and neglect. Fathers who actively engage with their communities, family networks and friends create a broader support system that families can draw upon in times of need.

When fathers take the initiative to build relationships, they offer their children access to caring adults outside the immediate household. It also reinforces the idea that seeking help and fostering relationships are signs of strength as opposed to weakness. Children learn that relying on a healthy community is key to navigating life’s challenges.

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Fathers Broaden Horizons

Understanding a child’s developmental needs equips parents with tools to create nurturing environments. At a baseline, involved fathers bring expanded knowledge capacity to the family.

Those who actively educate themselves about parenting strategies and child development gain even deeper insights. The learn how to meet their children’s needs through play, discipline, communication and emotional support.

Concrete Support in Times of Need: Fathers as Providers and Problem-Solvers

Access to essential resources — such as food, housing, medical care and mental health support — is a critical factor in preventing child abuse and neglect. Involved fathers play an active role in securing these supports.

A father’s presence in a child’s life generally translates to additional financial security. It can also mean increased advocacy. Fathers who communicate openly about challenges, seek assistance when needed, and provide reassurance during difficult times reinforce the message that families can work through problems together.

Social and Emotional Competence of Children: Fathers Form Bonds

Engaged fathers support the development of social and emotional competence in their children by forming early bonds that establish them as a safe, nurturing figure in their lives. Young children who know they can turn to multiple caregivers for emotional support end up surer of themselves later in life.

Engaged fathers can encourage emotional expression, help children name their feelings and validate their experiences. These interactions build emotional security, making children less vulnerable to harmful behaviors or relationships in the future.

Advocating for Father Involvement in Prevention Efforts

Supporting fathers in their parenting journey is a key strategy for preventing child abuse and neglect. CTM’s statewide network of Prevention Partners champions father engagement by:

Offering parenting education and workshops tailored to fathers.
Creating father-focused support networks and mentorship programs.
Encouraging workplaces to implement family friendly policies that promote father involvement.
Providing accessible mental health and parenting resources for fathers in need.

We will continue to support these initiatives that empower fathers in their parenting journey. Together, we can celebrate and encourage fathers as essential figures in creating safe, loving and resilient families.

June 2025

Join Children Trust Michigan for Child Abuse Prevention Month

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:43:16 GMT

Join Children Trust Michigan for Child Abuse Prevention Month

4.7.2025

Most people are well aware that April showers bring May flowers — but peonies and pansies aren’t the only things popping up this time of year. Playful pinwheels also abound.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Established in 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the month to acknowledge the importance of communities working together to prevent child abuse and promote familial well-being.

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America launched its Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, alighting on the pinwheel as the perfect encapsulation of the carefree whimsy of a happy childhood. Since then, planting pinwheel gardens has become an important CAP Month tradition.

Each April, Children Trust Michigan’s Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally on the steps of the state Capitol includes the “planting” of hundreds of pinwheels. Also highlighting the day are special addresses from legislators and presentations from CTM Prevention Partners. This year’s rally takes place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 15.

We know not everyone can make it to Lansing for our rally, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show support for the cause. CTM has Prevention Partners across the entire state, each of which holds its own CAP Month observances. Check out our partner list to find the one nearest you.

Another way you can help raise awareness is by participating in Wear Blue Day Friday, April 4. Blue is the official color of child abuse prevention. By wearing it, we demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that all children grow up safe, healthy, educated and prepared to reach their full potential. Encourage friends, family and colleagues to join you and share photos on social media.

Even if you are unable to participate in CAP Month activities, you can still be a champion for children. The heart of prevention is in everyday choices to do good, whether that’s making a concerted effort to provide a child with emotional support or donating to your local food bank. Working together, we can combine simple acts of kindness into a transformative tide that lifts all Michigan children to a brighter future.

How to Help

Here are a few ways you can help Michigan children today:

Educate Yourself and Others : Education is the soul of CTM’s prevention efforts. We support parent education programs that focus on child development, personal safety education for children, and public awareness on how and where to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Sharing this information far and wide is one of the best ways to stop abuse in its tracks.
Volunteer Your Time : Volunteer with CTM’s Prevention Partners in your community. Your efforts can directly improve the lives of the children closest to home.
Advocate for Policies and Programs : Support legislation and initiatives that promote child abuse prevention and strengthen families. This can include funding for parental education programs and child advocacy centers.
Donate : Donating to CTM is one of the quickest, easiest ways to make a positive impact on children’s lives. Our activities cover everything from training Partners on the best prevention practices to providing them with resources that help ensure area families have enough to eat. There are several ways to give. Check them out HERE .

Children Trust Michigan Plays Vital Role in State's Future

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:22:32 GMT

Children Trust Michigan Plays Vital Role in State's Future

As the sun rises over the Great Lakes State, it illuminates not only the natural beauty of Michigan but also the promise of a brighter future for its children. At the heart of this promise lies an organization that champions their well-being, safety and happiness: Children Trust Michigan (CTM).

CTM stands as the sole Michigan organization dedicated to proactively preventing child abuse and neglect. Its mission is clear: to support programs across the state through education, funding and resources. By focusing on prevention, CTM addresses a critical need — one that extends beyond treatment after abuse occurs. Dr. Ray Helfer, a pioneer in child abuse and neglect prevention, recognized this need in the early 1980s. He envisioned a permanent source of funding to underwrite services aimed at preventing abuse and promoting positive family interactions.

In 1982, Michigan legislators translated Dr. Helfer's vision into reality through Public Act 249/250. This legislation established the Children's Trust Fund (now known as Children Trust Michigan). The fund was established through generous donations from the citizens of Michigan through a tax check-off system. Currently, we use up to 5% of the interest annually to provide funding for our prevention program partners.

CTM collaborates with over 100+ prevention partners across all 83 Michigan counties. These partners deliver vital programs and resources, working tirelessly to prevent child abuse and neglect. Their efforts range from community education initiatives to direct support for families in need. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, CTM aims to create a safety net that spans the entire state.

Supporting CTM means investing in Michigan's future through:

· Prevention Programs: CTM's funding directly supports prevention programs for private, non-profit and public organizations. These programs empower families, educate communities and create safe environments for children.

· Prevention Partners: CTM's partners play the most critical role. They work tirelessly to prevent child abuse and neglect, ensuring that children grow up in nurturing environments CTM supporters impact and help strengthen this network of prevention champions.

· Administration: Efficient administration ensures that CTM can continue its mission. Donors and funders enable CTM to operate effectively and allocate resources wisely for abuse prevention programs.

CTM's vision is simple yet profound: a Michigan where children are happy, supported, and have access to a bright, safe future. CTM supporters contribute to this vision. Donations translate into essential funds that empower prevention efforts, protect families, and pave the way for a better tomorrow.

So, let us stand together — parents, educators, neighbors, and policymakers — supporting Children Trust Michigan. In doing so, we build a Michigan where every child's smile reflects the promise of a safer, happier future.

state-of-michigan---childrens-trust-fund-140

Children Trust Michigan Supported 150,000+ Families in 2025 - Even Bigger Impact is Ahead

150,000+ Families Supports in 2025 - Even Bigger Impact Ahead

Peer-to-Peer Positivity: How Parent Cafes Facilitate Prevention

Peer-to-Peer Positivity: How Parent Cafes Facilitate Prevention

Uplifting Michigan Children for More Than 40 Years: The CTM Story

Uplifting Michigan Children for More Than 40 Years: The CTM Story

Making Sure Back-to-School Rules!

Making Sure back-to-School Rules! ﻿

Positive Summertime Experiences Put Safety First

Positive Summertime Experiences Put Safety First

Focus On Fatherhood: Engaged Dads Contribute to Happy, Healthy Kids

Focus on Fatherhood:

Engaged Dads Contribute to Happy, Healthy Kids

Join Children Trust Michigan for Child Abuse Prevention Month

Join Children Trust Michigan for Child Abuse Prevention Month

4.7.2025

Children Trust Michigan Plays Vital Role in State's Future

Children Trust Michigan Plays Vital Role in State's Future

Making Sure back-to-School Rules!