St. Luke's Boise Medical Center

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CARES
Children At Risk Evaluation Services

In response to Idaho's need for a safe, confidential place where alleged victims of child maltreatment can be evaluated, CARES was established in June of 1989.

Our Mission
At CARES, interviews and psychosocial assessments 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, registered nurses, and social workers.

Referrals to CARES:
Children are referred to CARES only by child protective services, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and/or 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 Boise St. Luke's CARES program has joined with CARES 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: