The C.A.R.E.S. Clinic at El Paso Children’s Hospital facilitates a safe environment for children and families to receive appropriate medical and psychosocial services. The C.A.R.E.S. Clinic team provides timely and accurate medical assessments along with preventative education for victims of child maltreatment. In cases where abuse and neglect are not found, the C.A.R.E.S. Clinic will provide referrals and resources for families at risk or in need.
In an effort to better serve the children of El Paso, Texas, and surrounding areas, the C.A.R.E.S. Clinic has a Doctor of Nursing Practice/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner on staff to provide a comprehensive medical evaluation for cases of child maltreatment. The C.A.R.E.S. Clinic team also includes a BSN RN CP-SANE, Social Worker, and a Certified Child Life Specialist.
What We Are
We are an assessment center for suspected child abuse or neglect. We evaluate children in our outpatient clinic on an appointment basis only.
The goal of our assessments is to provide accurate and complete medical information to agencies investigating child abuse and to identify any needs of the family that may improve the child’s health and safety. We provide families with referrals to appropriate resources so they can fulfill these needs.
In addition to assessments, we provide information and assistance to Child Protective Services (CPS) investigators whenever they have medical questions about children who are suspected victims of abuse or neglect. We are not employed by CPS or the police.
We do not make legal decisions about the disposition (abuse, no abuse, or unable to determine) of a CPS case. We do not arrest people, nor do we make legal decisions about a person’s guilt.
