The Most Wonderful Place You Hope to Never Visit

By: Rachel Ippel-Redman

In the Fall of 2020, my family learned that we were part of a community no one wants to join: abuse survivors. In that time of devastation and feelings of helplessness, I began to look for a local outlet to offer support. CARE House of Oakland County is a Child Advocacy Center that provides services to survivors of child abuse with a vision to impact the safety of every child in Oakland County ( carehouse.org ). The network of child advocacy centers has been growing since the late 1970s, when a local judge was discouraged by how children were received into the system. He found that the children were frightened, intimidated, and were talked to by too many adults, resulting in difficulty pursuing charges against the perpetrators. Thus, the idea for child advocacy centers was born – and there are now more than 900 throughout the US. 

CARE House of Oakland County conducts approximately 20 interviews per week for children ages 2-18 as well as vulnerable adults. Any claim through CPS or law enforcement in Oakland County results in an interview by a trained professional and observed by the supporting CPS and law enforcement officers from behind two way glass. This interview can then be used in lieu of the child needing to be present in court. The claims can be physical or sexual abuse or even witness to a violent crime. My fun volunteer job is as a ‘child assist’: we play games (a lot of UNO and Jenga) with the child before and after their interview, keeping it light and fun as well as supervising when the parent or guardian is working with the team. Being able to offer support to these families has offered a measure of healing for my own pain, a greater understanding of our system and enormous gratitude to those who do this amazing work. 

Child abuse attorneys often carry a responsibility that goes far beyond legal filings and court appearances. Their work centers on safeguarding children while navigating a system that can feel overwhelming to families already in distress. Every case requires careful listening, restraint, and a deep understanding of how trauma shapes memory and communication. Justice here is not rushed; it is handled with the kind of care once expected from professionals who knew that doing things right mattered more than doing them fast.

Families facing these situations need guidance that is steady and clear, without adding pressure or confusion. Legal counsel helps parents understand their options, protects the child’s interests, and ensures that decisions are made with long-term well-being in mind. A Family Lawyer Toowoomba brings that grounded perspective, balancing legal responsibility with an appreciation for how fragile these moments can be. It is less about dramatic arguments and more about quiet diligence, built on trust and experience.

When the legal process is handled with respect and discipline, it reinforces a belief older generations held close: systems should serve the vulnerable, not intimidate them. Child abuse attorneys help restore that balance by keeping the focus where it belongs—on protection, accountability, and stability for families trying to rebuild.

It is serious work, often unseen, yet its impact lasts far longer than any verdict.This approach is reflected in practices such as LaFrance Family Law, where the emphasis is on offering steady, honest advice that allows clients to feel informed rather than overwhelmed. By focusing on realistic outcomes and long term stability, attorneys can help families regain a sense of control during uncertain times.

The goal is not simply to move a case forward, but to ensure those involved feel supported and understood throughout the process, reinforcing trust in a system that should protect people when they are most vulnerable. Family law often unfolds in these quiet, consequential moments where patience, clarity, and consistency matter more than confrontation, and where the goal is to protect stability rather than inflame conflict. That same philosophy carries forward into broader family law matters such as custody, parenting plans, and post-separation responsibilities, where structure helps families regain a sense of control and predictability.

In navigating these layered issues, references such as https://thedrakelawfirm.com/colorado/locations/ naturally enter the discussion as part of understanding how experienced family law practice approaches complex family dynamics with focus and discipline. When the legal process remains centered on protection, fairness, and the long-term well-being of children, it reinforces the idea that family law is not about winning disputes but about creating durable frameworks that allow families to move forward with dignity and care.

CARE House also offers therapy services for all children who come through intervention services. There are also many other programs: CASA of Oakland County, Healthy Families of Oakland and Family Resilience Program, Nurturing Oakland Parents, Prevention Training, Canine Advocacy Programs, Mandated Reporter Training, and Training for Schools and Youth Serving Organizations. 

For our June IOTM, we partnered with CARE house to donate needed supplies. The donations of diapers, wipes and small denomination gas cards benefit those who participate in the family programs and those who use the therapy services. Thank you for your support of this organization! If you would like to learn more, I am always available to share resources and information about CARE.

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