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St. Luke’s CARES is dedicated to the belief that every child deserves to be safe, and to be heard.
Every year, more than 1,700 children are evaluated for alleged abuse at our offices in Boise, Twin Falls, and Nampa, and at our Foster Care Clinic, where children coming into foster care receive a complete medical evaluation.
Prevention is also vital to the CARES mission, with resources and referrals for parents, a database for research, legislative input for prevention and treatment of child abuse, and lectures and training for professionals and the public on issues of child abuse and neglect.
About St. Luke’s CARES
St. Luke’s CARES is a neutral, child-friendly facility where children can feel safe and comfortable, and be heard. We provide children and their families an opportunity to understand their trauma and begin the process of healing in a warm and accepting environment. We treat children in an age-sensitive manner to reduce further emotional trauma.
Our team provides:
- Medical examinations, treatment, and forensic interviews conducted by specially trained professionals: We provide a sensitive, caring, and comprehensive medical and forensic evaluation of a child’s injuries, thus minimizing the need for repeated exams and interviews. Interviews are carried out in a child-friendly room specially equipped for videotaping. The medical exam is performed to ensure the health and safety of the child, reassure the child that everything is okay with his or her body, diagnose and treat medical conditions related to the abuse, and document significant physical and forensic findings.
- Legal documentation, court preparation, and crime victims compensation assistance
- Follow-up and referrals to counselors and other community resources. Financial assistance for counseling is available.
- Education for parents and children
It is vital that children tell their story, and that they are believed. 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.
CARES is an accredited member of the National Children's Alliance.
Referrals to St. Luke’s CARES
Children are primarily referred to CARES by child protective services, 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 Child Protective Services or law enforcement agencies.
Idaho State Law requires all citizens to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Usually the report is made to the police or to child welfare or child protection agencies. To report child abuse in Idaho, call 1-855-552-KIDS (5437).
Contact St. Luke’s CARES
Boise: (208) 577-4460
Fax: (208) 577-4469
Twin Falls: (208) 814-7750
Fax: (208) 814-7759
St. Luke’s CARES serves children and families from throughout southern and central Idaho, eastern Oregon, and northern Nevada from our clinics in Boise and Twin Falls, where most interviews and examinations are conducted.
Child Abuse Resources
- The Governor's Task Force on Children at Risk
- Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance
- Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program
- Idaho State Police
- National Abuse Hotline
- National Children's Alliance
- Network of Children's Advocacy Centers
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.