The Guidance Center: Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center

Guest blog by: Laura Huot, President & CEO, The Guidance Center

For nearly seven decades, The Guidance Center has been a trusted resource for individuals and families across Wayne County. Since our agency’s founding in 1958, we have navigated economic shifts, changing political landscapes, and evolving funding priorities. Through it all, we have continued to grow – guided by an unwavering commitment to our mission and the communities we serve.

A key strategic priority is preparing for the future growth of Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center, one of many comprehensive programs at the agency. Kids-TALK, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, works closely with law enforcement, Children’s Protective Services, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and other partners to ensure children who have experienced abuse or trauma are protected and supported on their path to healing. Each year, thousands of children in Detroit and Wayne County rely on this compassionate, coordinated response.

As demand for Kids-TALK services has increased and funding has declined, wait times have grown from less than one week to more than three weeks – an unacceptable reality. Currently, The Guidance Center is working to expand the program in the City of Detroit so children may once again receive services within three to five days, aligned with best practices.

Protecting children from abuse is not the responsibility of any one organization. It requires all of us. As a community, we must work together to prevent abuse before it happens and to intervene quickly and compassionately when children are harmed.

Every child deserves to feel safe. Every child deserves to be heard. And every child deserves the hope and healing that come from knowing that the abuse they endured was not their fault, that it does not define who they are, and that they can recover, grow, and pursue their dreams.

On Friday, September 18, 2026, more than 550 people will gather at Michigan Central in the largest and most significant celebration that we have hosted for Kids-TALK to honor both the extraordinary impact that Kids-TALK has had on tens of thousands of children and families and the community of supporters whose commitment has made that impact possible.

As we focus on our efforts to increase the scope of Kids-TALK in Detroit and Wayne County, we concentrate on a new and larger Detroit facility to double staffing – including forensic interviewers, advocates, trauma therapists, and physicians – to ensure families receive timely, expert care when they need it most.

Our dedicated team of community leaders who comprise our “From Trauma to Triumph” Kids-TALK Steering and Honorary Committees - working with our Philanthropy Team and key partners such as Detroit Philanthropy, Ignition Media Group, and Tanner Friedman – are instrumental players as we seek greater impact and long-term success.

To learn more about The Guidance Center and the 25th anniversary Kids-TALK Gala, visit www.guidance-center.org.