Was Your Child in the Care of Austin Hapner at a West Michigan Childcare Center?
Families Affected by Alleged Child Sexual Abuse at West Michigan Childcare Centers May Have Legal Options
If your child attended Gro Childcare Academy or Grand Valley State University's Children's Enrichment Center, or was cared for by Austin Hapner in a private babysitting arrangement, and you believe your child may have experienced sexual abuse or inappropriate conduct, your family may have legal options to pursue justice and accountability.
Austin Hapner, a former West Michigan childcare worker, faces 67 felony charges in connection with allegations of sexual abuse involving more than 30 young children. Prosecutors in Kent and Ottawa counties have charged Hapner with offenses including first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, child sexually abusive activity, and possession of child sexually abusive material.
Authorities have identified 32 alleged victims across Kent and Ottawa counties, including children as young as 3 years old. Prosecutors have indicated that additional victims may be identified as the investigation continues.
The allegations have raised serious questions about the safeguards in place at childcare facilities, particularly after reports that Hapner passed required background checks before being hired. Childcare providers have a responsibility to protect the children entrusted to their care, and families deserve answers when allegations of abuse emerge.
Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers has decades of experience representing survivors of sexual abuse and holding institutions accountable when they fail to protect those in their care. The firm's attorneys have represented survivors in some of the nation's largest institutional sexual abuse cases, including more than 400 athletes abused by Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics and U.S. Olympic team doctor.
The firm has also represented more than 1,000 survivors of abuse by former University of Michigan physician Robert Anderson and currently represents individuals in litigation involving alleged sexual misconduct and hidden-camera recordings at Goldfish Swim School in Rochester Hills.
Meet Megan Bonanni: A Trusted Advocate for Survivors
Megan Bonanni has dedicated her career to standing up for survivors of sexual abuse and holding powerful institutions accountable when they fail to protect those in their care. She is nationally recognized for her work in high-profile cases, including:
The Larry Nassar litigation, representing over 400 survivors and securing a historic $390 million recovery
The University of Michigan’s Dr. Robert Anderson case, involving more than 1,000 survivors and resulting in a $490 million settlement
Sexual assault claims involving the University of Kentucky swim team, Hillsdale College, Eastern Michigan University, and more
Megan understands that every survivor's experience is unique. She approaches every case with compassion, discretion, and a commitment to helping clients understand their legal rights while pursuing meaningful accountability through the civil justice system.
“Megan Bonanni is truly one of the most caring and competent people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She is relentless in her pursuit of justice for her clients and goes above and beyond to build and maintain lasting relationships. I’ve personally known Megan for over five years and have worked with her on multiple court cases. In each one, she consistently advocated for me while also empowering me with the space and tools to advocate for myself. I can’t think of anyone I would trust more as my attorney.”
— Survivor of the Larry Nassar case
Your Experience Matters
Parents place significant trust in childcare providers to protect their children, particularly when children are too young to recognize or report inappropriate conduct. When that trust is violated, families may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take. But your child's safety matters, and your family deserves to be heard and treated with dignity.
Pursuing a civil claim can be a meaningful step toward accountability, healing and change. Our attorneys understand the emotional weight of childhood sexual abuse and have experience holding individuals and institutions accountable when they fail to protect children in their care.
What to Expect
Free, confidential consultation—no pressure, no obligation
Trauma-informed representation from an experienced legal team
Discreet case handling to protect your privacy
No legal fees unless we win compensation for you
Take the First Step Today
If your child attended Gro Childcare Academy or Grand Valley State University's Children's Enrichment Center, or was cared for by Austin Hapner through private babysitting arrangements, and you believe your child may have experienced sexual abuse or inappropriate conduct, contact Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers today to learn more about your family's legal rights and options.
You do not have to navigate this process alone. We are here to listen, support, and advocate for you every step of the way.
(248) 398-9800
mbonanni@pittlawpc.com
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Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers
117 West 4th Street, Suite 200
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
(248) 398-9800 phone
(248) 268-7996 fax