About Us
Our staff & volunteers
My name is Michelle Caddell and the founder of Sweet Child AZ. I am the mother of 4 girls and 1 granddaughter. I have a Master's in Business Administration with Specialization in Information Systems from the University of Arizona Global Campus. I was born in Montana and raised in Idaho. I have 2 sisters, 1 deceased sister and 1 brother. My parents were married for 56 years. My dad retired from the Air Force and passed away from Cancer in 2022. I was raised Catholic and have a wonderful family.
The staff currently consists of my boyfriend Michael Groff, our good friend Rita Walenga, and me. We're hoping to add volunteers as we continue to put together the website.
Michael Groff is a voice over and imaging/production specialist. His voice (and production) have been heard on dozens of stations (Hitzradio, Star104, .977, etc), podcasts (including Bruinscast—the official podcast of the Boston Bruins) and commercials. He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication (www.michaelgroff.com) . Mike also is a meteorologist with his own YouTube channel called the Phoenix Arizona Weather Discussion (https://www.youtube.com/@michaelgroff6599). He also has a channel called Mikeplayspiano (https://www.youtube.com/@mikeplayspiano9590).
In dedication to my dad, my grandma, my sister, and Marlene.
Donations greatly appreciated! Go to paypal.com to groffshow@gmail.com.
Reveal Abusers
I've heard too many stories of abusers in disguise that manipulate systems to avoid being caught. The documentation process has to improve to catch and prove these abusers are held accountable. It seems mistakes are often made at every level of the reporting process. I think abusers know this and take advantage of the weak links in the reporting process.
Children have to trust adults to know what is best. It should be the job of adults to protect children. That's why I think the reporting process can be better. It can be improved to help victims of abuse and protect children.
DISCLAIMER
As a reminder, I'm expressing my 1st Amendment right. I'm not a legal professional or counselor. Everything I provide here is either my opinion or facts backed by reliable resources.
Our mission
The mission of the website is to provide information that will help people understand what may occur before, during, and after reporting child abuse. Hopefully, the information on this website will better prepare individuals when they decide to report child abuse.
I wanted to also let others know about Jennifer's law.
"Jennifer’s Law is named for two Connecticut victims of domestic violence and coercive control. Jennifer Dulos has been missing since May 2019. Her husband, Fotis Dulos, was charged with her murder. Fotis Dulos took his own life in 2020. Prior to the date of her disappearance, Jennifer Dulos shared her fears of leaving the family home and having to arrange to move quickly, within a short period of hours. Jennifer Magnano was shot and killed by her husband in front of her children in 2007. Her husband also took his own life. Jennifer Magnano was killed after being required to testify against her husband in Family Court.
Jennifer’s Law protects against psychological abuse by expanding the definition of domestic violence from a continual threat of present physical pain, physical injury, or pattern of stalking, to include coercive control which is defined as a pattern of behavior that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty.
“Coercive control” includes, but is not limited to, such actions as isolating the victim, depriving the victim of basic necessities, monitoring and/or controlling the victim regarding movements or finances, and threatening sex acts or the publication of sexual images, or “revenge porn.” The law further includes threats of animal abuse.
Importantly, Jennifer’s Law permits a Restraining Order applicant to file remotely instead of having to go to the Courthouse to apply. Restraining Order applicants can further request to testify in court virtually instead of in person. Further, State Marshals must now accept Restraining Orders electronically, so that the victim does not have to meet the Marshal in person.
Statistics show that physical abuse represents approximately 10% of all Domestic Violence cases. Connecticut is only the third state to enact a coercive control law. Hawaii and California have also enacted similar laws.
Jennifer’s Law also requires Judges to sanction any party that engages in continued frivolous and intentionally fabricated Court pleadings and Motions designed to delay the action and to keep the victim under the abuser’s control. The law further enacts a grant program for legal assistance for indigent Restraining Order applicants" ( https://www.mcconnellfamilylaw.com/jennifers-law-dramatic-shift-in-connecticut-family-law-landscape/)
MISSING CHILDREN IN ARIZONA & MISSING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
MISSING ARIZONA CHILDREN
I believe there are almost 200 missing children in Arizona as of 2022. I'm looking for a more accurate number but this is the information I have found so far on online.
If you have information regarding a missing child, contact your local law enforcement agency.
https://www.abc15.com/news/state/photos-184-missing-and-unidentified-children-in-arizona
"More than 40 children found dead in Pima County over the past few decades have yet to be identified"-
MISSING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN ARIZONA
Hobbs signs executive order establishing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Task Force
MISSING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN MONTANA
Last-known images of missing mom Jermain Charlo are caught on tape. Will they lead to a break in the Montana case?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jermain-charlo-montana-missing-michael-defrance-48-hours/
Site Content
Why Did I Start this Website?
Definition of Child Abuse or Vulnerable Adult Abuse
Definition of Child Abuse or Vulnerable Adult Abuse
The purpose of the website is to share my experience about the process of reporting child abuse, improving child abuse reporting, and provide wonderful resources on how to better prepare those who want to report child abuse. It is giving advice I was looking for when I had questions and didn't know where to start.
My personal motto is do more, do better.
I think child abuse is hard to prove when someone is reporting on behalf of a child.
No one is perfect and I don't expect an overwhelmed system like a child welfare agency to know each and every case and all the details.
However, I don't think corporal punishment is a valid excuse to not investigate child abuse. I can't count how many times I've been told that it is legal in Arizona to spank your kids. What are the limitations with corporal punishment before it crosses over into abuse? How many times must a child be spanked before it's breaking the law? Is keeping a child in a closet for even one second acceptable in the eyes of Arizona laws?
Its time to start talking about the limitations of corporal punishment and abuse.
Definition of Child Abuse or Vulnerable Adult Abuse
Definition of Child Abuse or Vulnerable Adult Abuse
Definition of Child Abuse or Vulnerable Adult Abuse
"13-3623. Child or vulnerable adult abuse; emotional abuse; classification; exceptions; definitions
A. Under circumstances likely to produce death or serious physical injury, any person who causes a child or vulnerable adult to suffer physical injury or, having the care or custody of a child or vulnerable adult, who causes or permits the person or health of the child or vulnerable adult to be injured or who causes or permits a child or vulnerable adult to be placed in a situation where the person or health of the child or vulnerable adult is endangered is guilty of an offense as follows:
1. If done intentionally or knowingly, the offense is a class 2 felony and if the victim is under fifteen years of age it is punishable pursuant to section 13-705.
2. If done recklessly, the offense is a class 3 felony.
3. If done with criminal negligence, the offense is a class 4 felony" For the complete explanation on the law visit: (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03623.htm)
Reporting Child Abuse
Definition of Child Abuse or Vulnerable Adult Abuse
How Do I Report Child Abuse?
"How can I support a child who has been abused?
If you notice signs of abuse in a child, you can report the suspected abuse to keep the child safe.
Depending on your position or relationship to the child, you may be required by law to report the suspected abuse (https://azcrimevictimhelp.org/other/child-abuse).
Who is legally required to report child abuse?
People who are legally required to report child abuse are called “mandated reporters.” A mandated reporter is required to tell law enforcement or DCS right away if they have a reason to believe a minor is or has been the victim of physical injury, abuse, a reportable offense, or neglect"(https://azcrimevictimhelp.org/other/child-abuse)
If you're a parent that suspects abuse, then take your child to the doctor. Follow up with pictures and a police report. I think a seeing a doctor or telling a counselor really helps the situation.
How Do I Report Child Abuse?
Child Abuse Resources and Crisis Information
How Do I Report Child Abuse?
"How do I report child abuse?
The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is the statewide reporting agency for child abuse. You can make a report to the toll-free Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-767-2445 (1-888-SOS-CHILD) or contact your local law enforcement office.When reporting child abuse, you will be asked to provide the following information, if known:
- name, age, and gender of child and other family members
- address, phone numbers, and/or directions to child’s home
- parents’ place of employment
- description of suspected abuse or neglect
- current condition of child"
(Copy and Paste Hyperlink/Select Legal Information for Victims of Child Abuse)
Child Abuse Resources and Crisis Information
Child Abuse Resources and Crisis Information
Child Abuse Resources and Crisis Information
"Resources
Child Abuse, Information and Reporting
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline or call 1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453
Mandated Reporters, Arizona Law
Mandated Reporters, Online Report Portal
Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255
(Copy and Paste Hyperlink/Select https://www.azspc.org)
Counseling/Therapy Resources
Teen Lifeline or call 602-248-8336
Crisis Textline or Text HOME to 741741
Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
National Sexual Assault Hotline or call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Psychologist Locator, American Psychological Association
Legal Help
Find a Lawyer (Statewide)
Court Information"
(Copy and Paste Hyperlink/Select Legal Information for Victims of Child Abuse)
https://azcrimevictimhelp.org/other/child-abuse
Failure to Report
Child Abuse Resources and Crisis Information
Child Abuse Resources and Crisis Information
"I am a mandated reporter. What happens if I don't notify authorities of suspected abuse or neglect?
An individual who fails to report could face a Class 1 misdemeanor.
If the failure to report involves a so-called "reportable offense," they could be guilty of a Class 6 felony. Arizona law states reportable offenses include: child-sex trafficking, incest, or secret videotaping, photographing, filming or digital recording of a minor in certain circumstances"
(Copy and Paste Hyperlink/Select AZ Central.com)
Information for Depression and Addiction
Information for Depression and Addiction
Information for Depression and Addiction
Information for Suicide and Addiction
Information for Depression and Addiction
Information for Depression and Addiction
How to Handle Anxiety
Information for Depression and Addiction
How to Handle Anxiety
Mental Health
Social Media and Children's Mental Health
How to Handle Anxiety
Social Media and Children's Mental Health
Social Media and Children's Mental Health
Social Media and Children's Mental Health