Since 1995, CARES has been providing evaluation services to Magic Valley children who are suspected victims of abuse. The services include medical examinations and interviews conducted by specially trained professionals. CARES is a neutral, child friendly facility where children can feel safe, comfortable, and be heard.

CARES provides child victims and their families an opportunity to understand their trauma and begin the process of healing in a warm and accepting environment. Interviews of children are provided in a room specially equipped for videotaping. When a medical exam is necessary, the child receives a comprehensive check-up. Parents are provided with the information and assistance they need to help their child overcome the trauma.

The CARES program provides a sensitive, caring, and comprehensive medical and forensic evaluation of a child’s injuries, thus minimizing the need for repeated exams and interviews. In the Magic Valley, as well as nationally, one of every four girls and at least one of every five boys is sexually abused by age 18.

MVRMC is a lead agency in the CARES program, along with concerned citizens, agency officials, healthcare officials, judges, and police officers.

Idaho law requires that anyone who believes a child has been physically or sexually abused report the abuse to local authorities. Child Protection Services or the police arrange for services from the CARES program.

For additional information, call 737-2600 or write CARES, P.O. Box 409, Twin Falls, ID 83303.

No child is ever refused access to the services of CARES. CARES is funded in large part by grants and donations since fees charged offset less than half the costs. The MVRMC Foundation has developed an endowment fund for CARES to support the program when reimbursements fall short.

You can help ensure this program will continue to be available to our children by making a tax-deductible contribution to the CARES Endowment Fund. Contact the MVRMC Foundation at 737-2480 or write MVRMC Foundation, P.O. Box 2231, Twin Falls, ID 83303.

CARES is a full member of the National Children's Alliance. CARES meets the clinical and programmatic standards required by the National Children's Alliance. CARES receives technical assistance, training opportunities, funding resources, and networking abilities with other centers across the country.