Capstone Project 2021
History:
A group of professionals in the field of child abuse investigation established CARES Program of Emanuel Hospital in 1987 after seeing children go through multiple interviews and repeat examinations by the systems put in place to help. This group coordinated expert services in one location with a multidisciplinarian team consisting of Physicians, Child Interviewers, Children’s Protective Services and Law Enforcement Agencies so that the child recounts their story only once. This approach to intervention increases effectiveness, which minimizes trauma to the child, helps prevent future abuse and sets them on the road to healing.
A group of professionals in the field of child abuse investigation established CARES Program of Emanuel Hospital in 1987 after seeing children go through multiple interviews and repeat examinations by the systems put in place to help. This group coordinated expert services in one location with a multidisciplinarian team consisting of Physicians, Child Interviewers, Children’s Protective Services and Law Enforcement Agencies so that the child recounts their story only once. This approach to intervention increases effectiveness, which minimizes trauma to the child, helps prevent future abuse and sets them on the road to healing.
About:
CARES Northwest is one of the oldest and largest child abuse assessment centers in the nation, serving more than 7,000 children annually. Their focus is on children ranging in age from birth to 17 years, they also do some work with developmentally disabled adults. The main concerns are physical or sexual abuse, neglect &/or exposure to domestic violence, diagnosing abuse if present, ruling it out if not. Some childhood diseases or conditions may present similarly to abuse or neglect, and the correct diagnosis allows for the proper treatment recommendations. CARES NW also provides on-site training for schools and community groups. The focus here is on violence prevention, helping adults create safe environments for youth, and training professionals in child maltreatment, trauma, and mandatory reporting.
CARES NW also provides clothing and shoes to families, and every child has the opportunity to go home with a handmade quilt. The environment is very supportive for all involved. Families and children are gently supported throughout their visit, with the continued support of a social worker helping them navigate specific areas when needed.
CARES Northwest is one of the oldest and largest child abuse assessment centers in the nation, serving more than 7,000 children annually. Their focus is on children ranging in age from birth to 17 years, they also do some work with developmentally disabled adults. The main concerns are physical or sexual abuse, neglect &/or exposure to domestic violence, diagnosing abuse if present, ruling it out if not. Some childhood diseases or conditions may present similarly to abuse or neglect, and the correct diagnosis allows for the proper treatment recommendations. CARES NW also provides on-site training for schools and community groups. The focus here is on violence prevention, helping adults create safe environments for youth, and training professionals in child maltreatment, trauma, and mandatory reporting.
CARES NW also provides clothing and shoes to families, and every child has the opportunity to go home with a handmade quilt. The environment is very supportive for all involved. Families and children are gently supported throughout their visit, with the continued support of a social worker helping them navigate specific areas when needed.
Photo: http://www.caresnw.org/
Photo: http://www.caresnw.org/
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MY REFLECTION:
I will be gaining experience working with CARES NW throughout the summer. This volunteer position will present me the opportunity to experience a new environment through which I will gain a better understanding of both myself and others. The interactions and relationships formed will allow me to discover the direction I will take and ways in which I can continue to be of service to families and children in our community. |