Genesee County · Since 2004

Every kid deserves someone in their corner.

Child Advocacy Team (CAT) is a nonprofit law firm providing court-appointed legal representation for kids in CPS and delinquency cases across Genesee County.

Support Our Mission Meet Our Team
Children playing outside Child smiling Diverse group of teenage friends laughing and embracing outdoors
501(c)(3)Nonprofit law firm
Since 2004Court-appointed in Genesee County
5 AttorneysFull-time, dedicated practice
Who we are

We don't just represent kids. We show up for them.

Since 2004, Genesee County has contracted with CAT to provide full-time, court-appointed representation for youth in CPS and delinquency cases. Our attorneys do this work exclusively — nothing else — giving every child we serve an advocate who actually knows their story.

Genesee County Courthouse
Our attorneys

Five people who show up, every day.

KB

Karen Bunker

Managing Attorney
Shayla Blankenship

Shayla Blankenship

Staff Attorney
Terina Carte

Terina Carte

Managing Attorney
TH

Teresa Holifield

Staff Attorney
Marcey Stipes

Marcey Stipes

Staff Attorney
Meet the Team
What we do

Two roles. One promise.

Every child we represent gets an attorney who understands exactly what their case calls for.

CPS Representation (L-GAL)

As lawyer-guardian ad litems, we voice our client's wishes to the court while standing up for their best interests in abuse and neglect cases.

Juvenile Delinquency Defense

In delinquency cases, we're strictly defense attorneys — working hard to get the best possible outcome for our young clients.

Know what to expect

Helping families understand the process

Plain-language video guides explaining what clients and parents can expect at each stage of a delinquency or child protection case.

Ep. 1 — What Parents Need to Know

6:49 · Delinquency Hearings

We've built two full video libraries: Delinquency Hearings and Child Protection Cases, each walking families through what to expect at every stage.

Watch All Videos
Beyond donating

Sometimes the smallest comforts matter most.

🧸

Stuffed Animals

A soft, cuddly companion can comfort kids navigating big emotions.

🧶

Blankets

Our clients move often — a blanket of their own helps a new place feel like home.

🖊️

Office Supplies & Essentials

Help keep our team equipped with everyday supplies needed to advocate for our clients.

View Wishlist
🎓

College Bound & Independent Youth

Support young people aging out of foster care with the essentials they need to start their next chapter.

View Wishlist

Every child deserves someone in their corner.

Help us keep showing up for Genesee County's kids — your support funds everything we do.

Donate Now