Family Advocacy

Family Support

The impact of child sexual abuse to a child and family is significant and can take unexpected forms. Financial instability, mental health crisis, physical safety, lack of familiarity with available resources, navigating the court process, and determining eligibility for Crime Victims Compensation may all pose additional challenges to families during this already difficult time.

Our family advocates come alongside caregivers following the forensic interview and are highly skilled in working through the inevitable aftermath of an abuse disclosure. Our advocates follow up with caregivers for several months to lend support and assist with any additional services and referrals the family may need.

Here are some of our most frequently utilized resources and referrals:

Reach Out To Our Family Advocates

Our advocates are part of the Holland and Grand Haven Case Coordinator Meetings. All advocacy services are available in Spanish and can be accessed by contacting Denisse Lopez at dlopez@cac-ottawa.org. For more information about our family advocacy program, contact Charlie Martinez at cmartinez@cac-ottawa.org.

Court Preparation & Support

Family advocates provide additional support when there is court involvement. We work closely with the Prosecuting Attorney’s office to help families navigate every phase of the court process. We offer our families activities, arts and crafts, games, food, a friendly face, processing and emotional support during court preparation meetings and different court proceedings. Advocates also provide assistance with writing victim impact statements that can be read at the time of sentencing.

Meet Senior Prosecuting Attorney, Jake Jenison and Trusted Sidekick, Q

Jake Jenison is a Senior Prosecuting Attorney with Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office. He has been assigned to the Ed and Nancy Hanenburg Children’s Advocacy Center since June of 2017, covering all Criminal Sexual Conduct cases involving adult defendants and juvenile survivors in Ottawa County. Together with the Multi-Disciplinary Team and his trusted sidekick, canine victim advocate Q, the yellow lab, Jake is hands on from the initial charging decision all the way to jury verdict for every one of his cases.

Jake is born and raised in Ottawa County and graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He thoroughly enjoys the trial work that goes into prosecuting child sexual abuse crimes and helping bring justice to those most vulnerable in our community. In the 13 jury trials and verdicts that the team has had, the defendants have been sentenced to a total of 304 years in prison collectively.

Q is the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office Canine Advocate. He brings comfort by sitting with child victims who are under the age of 16 years old when they are testifying in court. He also attends meetings with child victims alongside Jake. The amount of smiles Q can generate for families going through the difficult court process is truly amazing.

Testimonials

  • “Watching a child testify against their abuser is another level of inspiring, and it is an honor to be able to be there holding the hands of these families while they go through this. It brings me an incredible amount of fulfillment.”

    — Charlie Martinez, CAC Family Advocacy Manager

  • “Having an advocate through the court process meant the difference between the feeling of standing alone, and standing in the feeling of being supported. Knowing we weren’t alone and had a team on our side, is something I’ll never forget, and will be forever grateful for.”

    — CAC Client