St. Luke’s CARES (Children at Risk Evaluation Services) is dedicated to the belief that every child deserves to be safe, heard, and supported. When concerns for abuse or neglect arise, it is vital that children get the opportunity to talk about what may have happened to them and receive appropriate interventions, such as medical evaluation and treatment, counseling, and other community support services. Most children never report their abuse. Those who keep it a secret or who “tell” and are not believed, are at far greater risk than the general population for psychological, emotional, social, and physical problems, often lasting into adulthood.

Our staff is comprised of specially trained professionals, offering services in a child-centered, developmentally appropriate manner.

St. Luke's CARES serves children and families from throughout southern and central Idaho, eastern Oregon, and northern Nevada. Every year, more than 1,700 children are evaluated for alleged abuse at CARES clinics, which provide services in Boise in the Ada County Victim Services Center, at St. Luke's in Twin Falls, and at the Nampa Family Justice Center in Nampa.