St. Luke's CARES (Children at Risk Evaluation Services)
St. Luke's CARES (Children at Risk Evaluation Services)
Trusted Care in a Safe, Supportive Space
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.
Our Services
Medical and Forensic Evaluation
Our specially trained team provides caring and comprehensive medical and forensic evaluation of a child’s injuries, thus minimizing the need for repeated exams and interviews.
Resources and Referrals
We offer referrals to counselors and other community resources. Financial assistance for counseling may be available and staff will assist with the application for crime victim's compensation assistance.
Abuse Prevention and Advocacy
We offer lectures and training for professionals and the public on child abuse and neglect issues.
Referrals to St. Luke's CARES
Children are primarily referred to CARES by Child Protective Services (CPS), law enforcement agencies, and the court. Healthcare 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 CPS or law enforcement agencies.
Contact Us
- Boise: 417 S 6th Street; phone (208) 577-4460; fax (208) 577-4469
Located in the Ada County Victim Services Center - Nampa: 1305 3rd Street South; phone (208) 577-4460; fax (208) 577-4469
Located in the Nampa Family Justice Center - Twin Falls: 2550 Addison Ave. E., Suite G
- phone: (208) 814-7750
- fax: (208) 814-7759
What to Expect at a CARES Appointment
Arrival and Registration
All adults will be asked to show photo identification. Alleged offenders are not allowed onsite at any time.
For registration, bring the child's insurance information and social security number. Upon registration, we will explain the appointment process.
Child Interview
Our interviewer will meet with your child one-on-one, in a developmentally appropriate manner, in a neutral setting, allowing the child to share their experiences.
Interviews will be recorded.
Medical Evaluation
With you and your child’s permission, our medical provider will perform an evaluation to ensure the child's health and safety, reassure the child that their body is okay, and diagnose and treat any medical conditions related to the abuse.
A medical social worker or provider may also speak with the child about their emotional well-being.
Caregiver Assessment
Caregivers will meet with a medical social worker and medical provider to share family information, the child’s medical history, ask questions, and discuss concerns.
They may also meet with law enforcement and/or Health and Welfare staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accreditation by the National Children's Alliance
Advancing Children's Advocacy
CARES is an accredited member of the National Children's Alliance.
National Children’s Alliance (NCA) is a professional membership organization on a mission to make one big difference, one child at a time.
Give a Gift to Support CARES
No child is ever refused access to the services of CARES, which is funded in large part by grants and donations. You can help ensure this vital community program will continue to be available to our children by giving a gift to support CARES through your local St. Luke’s Foundation.
Additional Idaho Child Abuse Resources
Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program
Idaho Network of Children's Advocacy Centers
Idaho Children's Trust Fund
211 - Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare
National Resources
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Darkness to Light - Sexual Abuse Prevention
National Children's Alliance
Child Welfare Information Gateway
NetSmartz Kids - Online Safety
Do You Need Assistance?
Reporting Child Abuse
As an adult in the state of Idaho, you are a mandated reporter for any suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Remember, you do not need proof, only concern.
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or abandonment when a child is not in immediate danger, please follow both steps below:
- Call your local law enforcement:
- Ada County Dispatch: (208) 377-6790
- Canyon County Dispatch: (208) 454-7531
- For information on law enforcement in other counties, please call 211 (Idaho CareLine).
- Call local Child Protection Services:
- Treasure Valley: (208) 334-5437 (KIDS)
- Statewide: (855) 552-5437 (KIDS)
- You can be connected to either of these numbers by simply dialing 211.
- Call your local law enforcement:
Are You Experiencing Thoughts of Suicide or Harm?
If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, harm to yourself or others, or know someone that is, call or text the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. It's a confidential line, staffed 24/7, to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, problem-solving, and referrals to local resources for persons at risk for suicide and those concerned about them.
You can also be connected by dialing 211 and selecting option 2.
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911 or access the nearest emergency department.
