In this episode of Speaking for Kids, Michigan’s Children celebrates fatherhood with special guest John Miles, Coordinator of the Wayne County Fatherhood Initiative at The Children's Center, recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award, and father of Michigan’s Children’s Child Welfare & Education Policy Associate, Bianca Miles.

Together, they discuss why one of the best Father's Day gifts we can give dads is better access to resources and support. The conversation explores the stigma many fathers face when asking for help, the importance of creating programs designed specifically for men, and how investing in fathers ultimately strengthens children, families, and communities.

In this episode of Speaking for Kids, host Bianca Miles sits down with a representative from the Ruth Ellis Center to honor the legacy of Ruth Ellis and explore the challenges LGBTQ+ youth continue to face today. Recorded during Pride Month, this conversation highlights the importance of creating safe, affirming spaces for young people and the critical role families play in supporting their well-being.

Together, they discuss the stigma and barriers many LGBTQ+ youth encounter, including the heartbreaking reality that some young people leave or are forced from their homes because of a lack of acceptance. The episode also offers practical insights on how families, communities, and advocates can help foster belonging, strengthen support systems, and ensure all young people have the opportunity to thrive.

In this episode of Speaking for Kids, we explore how investing in prevention can reduce child abuse and strengthen families before crises occur. Joined by experts from Children's Trust Michigan and Prevent Child Abuse America, the conversation breaks down what prevention really means and why it must be a priority.

Our guests share how shifting resources upstream, toward family supports, community-based programs, and early intervention, leads to better outcomes for children and long-term savings for communities. We also discuss what meaningful investment in prevention looks like in practice and how these efforts help build stronger, more resilient families.

For policymakers, advocates, and anyone who cares about children, this episode offers a clear call to action: invest early, support families, and prevent harm before it happens.