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.

In this episode of Speaking for Kids, we examine Michigan’s early literacy crisis and what it will take to improve reading outcomes for students. With fewer than 40% of third graders reading proficiently, we explore why Michigan is falling behind while states like Mississippi are making gains.

The conversation highlights the Science of Reading, how teachers are being trained and supported, and whether current funding approaches are meeting student needs. We also discuss the role of early intervention programs like Early On and what advocates and policymakers can do to move Michigan forward.

In this episode of Speaking for Kids, we take a deep dive into Michigan’s teacher shortage through the lens of equity and opportunity. Joined by Dr. Curtis Lewis, President and Founder of Boldly Moving Education Ahead, and Charlotte Pierce, Senior Policy Analyst at EdTrust Midwest, the conversation explores new research on why Michigan continues to struggle to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers of color, and why this matters for student success across the state.

With nearly 40 percent of Michigan students being students of color but only about 11 percent of teachers sharing that background, the gap has real implications for learning, belonging, and long-term outcomes. Our guests break down the key findings, the barriers in the educator pipeline, and the evidence-based strategies that can help build a stronger, more diverse, and better-supported teacher workforce, especially in Southeast Michigan and Detroit.