CARES
Children At Risk Evaluation Services
Boise
In response to Idaho's need for a safe, confidential place where alleged victims of child maltreatment can be evaluated, CARES was established in 1989.
Our Mission
At CARES, medical evaluations are conducted
by trained professionals in a sensitive, objective manner
that reduces further victimization or trauma to the child.
Our Goals
- To minimize further trauma to alleged child abuse victims and their families by coordinating expert evaluation services in one location.
- To provide expert medical diagnosis and referral for treatment of maltreated children.
- To provide referral and resources for needed mental health services.
- To provide a database for research and potential legislation on prevention and treatment of child abuse.
Our Team
Evaluation and treatment services are coordinated through
the CARES team of professionals, including physicians,
pediatric nurse practitioners, nurses, and social
workers.
Referrals to CARES
Children are referred to CARES only by child protective services,
law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the court.
In some cases, health care providers may refer to CARES
after consulting with CARES medical staff. Referrals cannot
be taken directly from parents, counselors, attorneys, or
others. Such concerns will be directed to Child Protective
Services or law enforcement agencies.
Community Connections
CARES serves as a member on Community Multi-disciplinary
Child Abuse Teams, which meet regularly to review current
child abuse cases. As a member, the CARES Program coordinates
services with other professions and agencies, including
medical, mental health, law enforcement, Health and Welfare,
prosecuting attorneys, and other legal entities.
Evaluation of Sexual
Abuse, Physical Abuse, and Neglect
The CARES program provides medical examinations and documentation
for alleged victims of child abuse as well as medical treatment
or follow-up referrals as needed. Our trained specialists
at the CARES Program provide medical examinations, recorded
interviews, and psycho-social assessments.
Education and Research
The CARES program provides lectures and training by request
to other professionals and the lay public on issues of
child abuse and neglect.
Idaho Network of
Children's Advocacy Centers
The CARES program in Boise joined with the CARES
program in Twin Falls to form the Idaho Network of Children's Advocacy
Centers (INCAC). The goals of INCAC are to promote statewide
training, education, coordination, funding, research, standards,
and legislative advocacy for multi-disciplinary teams and
child advocacy centers.
In promoting the team approach, all members of INCAC have access to the combined center resources, and may benefit from the individual centers' goals. More information about the INCAC can be found at http://www.idahocac.com.
Funding and Grants
Providing child abuse evaluations is very
staff intensive and expensive. No child is ever refused service
based on ability to pay. Our funding comes from:
- Grants
- Fees, which may be collected from insurance companies or referral agencies
- COMMUNITY SUPPORT through St. Luke's Health Foundation
- Crime Victims Compensation Service
In the long-term, our ability to continue to meet the needs of victimized children and their families depends on community support.
Contact us
For More information about CARES, please call
(208) 577-4460
To make a donation, contact
St. Luke's Health Foundation
(208) 381-2123
Thank you for your gifts to CARES!
Idaho Council on Domestic Violence
and Victim Assistance
http://www2.state.id.us/crimevictim/
National Children's Alliance
http://www.nca-online.org
Resources
ADA County Prosecuters - Domestic Violence Unit
CASA - Family Advocate Program (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
The Governor's Task Force on Children at Risk
Crime Victims Compensation Program, Idaho
Domestic Violence Programs, Idaho
Health and Welfare, Idaho Department of
National
Abuse Hotline
(800) 4-A-CHILD (800 422-4453)
