Jill Simms

MARQUETTE — Marquette County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jill Simms was recently appointed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.

The Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board Children’s Trust Fund was established in 1982 and raises awareness and funds for programs and services tailored to the needs of different regions, explained Simms.

“The Children’s Trust Fund provides funds to educate both the community and parents to prevent child abuse and child neglect. In cases where abuse or neglect occurs, it also provides the money needed for the services and support to help the child victims and families through the criminal justice system and move forward in healing,” Simms said in an email. “The Children’s Trust Fund is Michigan’s only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.”

Aside from serving as assistant prosecuting attorney, Simms brings a wealth of prior experience to the board. She formerly practiced primarily in family law, began her career with the prosecutor’s office in the Family Support Division and moved on to handle cases of child abuse, neglect and juvenile delinquency. Most recently she was a part of the team responsible for opening the Superior Child Advocacy Center, which streamlines the forensic interview process, reducing victim trauma.

“I have seen what child abuse and neglect does, not only to the child but to the community and it is astonishing how many of these cases Marquette County has,” Simms said. “I just want to help these kids feel safe.”

During her three-year term on the board, Simms hopes to make contacts, represent the children of the Upper Peninsula, address current issues with lawmakers and make the community more aware of the Children’s Trust Fund.

“I look forward to bridging the gap between the Upper Peninsula and Lansing to give our kids a voice,” Simms said. “Living in the Upper Peninsula is very different than living downstate and I want to shine light on some of the unique challenges that we face.”

She noted a few ways citizens can help support the Children’s Trust Fund, such as purchasing a specialty fund license plate at the Secretary of State; donating with a Michigan state tax return; attending the Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Rally to be held on the steps of the Capitol Building in Lansing at 11 a.m. April 21; or attending the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event to be held at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing at 5 p.m. May 20, a major fundraising event in memory of advocate and former board member. Funds will be used to pay for services throughout the state, including Marquette, Simms said. She will be collecting donations to provide a basket for the auction that highlights the county and U.P.

“I am really excited to be able to work in Lansing protecting children which is a passion of mine,” Simms said. “The last time I was in Lansing was 22 years ago when I worked as a House page running errands for the representatives and now I have an opportunity to work there to make a difference.”

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is tcarey@miningjournal.net.