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.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Gina Rigas and Heather Morey-Pols, the mother of Rowan Morey-Pols, to discuss the tragic loss that inspired the Rowan Act (HB 4517 and 4518). Together, they walk us through what happened to Rowan, why Michigan families need stronger seat belt laws for children, and how this legislation aims to prevent future tragedies.

We explore the gaps in current child passenger safety laws, the data behind why proper restraints save lives, and the challenges of turning personal tragedy into public policy. Representative Rigas also talks about the progress of the legislation and what supporters can do to help move the bill forward.

This episode is a conversation about grief, advocacy, and hope. It lifts up a family’s story while highlighting a life-saving effort that could protect children across Michigan.

This episode of Speaking for Kids honors Kinship Care Awareness Month with guest BeAnka Masefiade, Executive Director of Osofomaame, a Black-founded and led organization addressing systemic disparities facing Black youth in Michigan’s child welfare system. Black children make up 16% of Michigan children, but are overrepresented in the child welfare population, making up 29% of children in foster care. This conversation highlights why kinship care matters, the challenges caregivers face, and the urgent need for culturally competent support. Listeners will hear how Osofomaame is working to transform the system, uplift kinship families, and ensure every child can grow up in a safe, connected, and supportive environment.

In this episode, Michigan’s Children President & CEO Matt Gillard sits down with Suzanne Greenberg of Children Trust Michigan and regional leaders Stephanie and Heather to explore the life-changing work happening across the state to prevent child abuse and neglect.

From mobile resource centers delivering support to rural communities, to proven prevention programs that reduce maltreatment rates, this conversation breaks down what’s working — and what’s at risk if funding is cut.

Learn why family resource centers matter, how over 44,000 children were reached in 2024, and why the fight for $4 million in state support is more urgent than ever.

Prevention works. Communities are ready. But we need your voice.

Visit childrenstrustmichigan.org and michiganschildren.org to learn more and take action.

In this special Pride Month episode, we’re focusing on the urgent challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth in Michigan — and what it will take to protect and uplift them.

Matt is joined by Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-77) and Emme Zanotti, Senior Director of Movement Building & Political Affairs at Equality Michigan. Together, they break down the real impact of harmful legislation, the rising threats to queer youth, and the role that advocates, allies, and lawmakers must play in creating safe and affirming spaces.

This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about youth, equity, and justice.

In this episode, we explore what mental health looks like across the early years and into adolescence — and what adults need to understand to truly support kids. Matt is joined by an expert in infant and early childhood mental health (ages 0–3) and a professional working closely with middle and high school youth. Together, they unpack the signs of struggle, the systems that help (or hurt), and what it will take to create real change for young people’s mental wellness in Michigan. What does mental health look like in toddlers? What challenges are older youth facing today? What can we do to make things better?

Tune in for practical insights, honest reflections, and a better understanding of how we can all support the mental health of Michigan’s kids.