Washtenaw Area Council for Children

Mission: To promote child safety and well-being, and to prevent child maltreatment, abuse, and neglect through educational service and programs to children, parents, community members and youth-serving professionals throughout Washtenaw County.

Washtenaw Area Council for Children (WACC) is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1975. TWACC is a designated Council of the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund. Washtenaw Area Council for Children is integrated deeply in our community, and we’ve been that way for a while. A modest start has evolved into a far-reaching, impactful presence. Throughout our 5 programs, we proudly serve every stage of the life spectrum.

WACC programs are designed to stop child neglect, maltreatment and abuse before it starts.

• Cyber Safety: This program was created to make young people and others aware of the risks of using the Internet unwisely. Besides classroom workshops, middle and high School students are trained to become Cyber Safety mentors to their peers.
• Bullying/Cyberbullying Prevention: Middle and high school students learn to Stop, Think, Connect before they do or post something that may be harmful to themselves or their peers.
• Body Safety Training: A curriculum for preschool and elementary school children to teach them about appropriate and inappropriate touching.
• Stewards of Children: Trainings are offered to adults on identifying, recognizing child sexual abuse and reacting responsibly.
• Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness: This is a form of abuse that can lead to serious head trauma. We offer trainings to caregivers and high school students.
• Safe Baby: This program addresses preventable infant deaths caused by unsafe sleep practices. Caregivers and professionals are trained on safe sleep practices.
• Infant Mortality Reduction: Addresses disparities in infant mortality rates in the County through education in the community.
• Luncheon Lecture Series and Annual Conference: We offer a series of 2 hour lectures on topics focusing on keeping children safe and parenting. This year’s series focused on how to help children who face barriers to Engagement and Learning.
• We Care Elementary: Healthy Relationships Project: We Care is a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program that’s goal is to prevent elementary students from becoming a victim or perpetrator of abuse by building upon social-emotional learning skills through mutli-model and experiential lessons.