CARES: Medical assessments for child abuse victims

To better understand CARES Northwest’s impact on the well-being of our young patients, our organization joined eight other Oregon child abuse intervention centers to participate in the Oregon Outcomes Measurement System Pilot Project. This two-year quantified study was designed to measure the validity of this statement:  “The child abuse center facilitates healing for the child and their caregivers.

Caregivers were asked to complete a 12-question survey at the end of their child’s visit to CARES Northwest. Of the 337 surveys we received in 2012:

• 98 percent believed their child felt safe at the center.
• 98 percent felt when they came to the center they were greeted and received attention in a timely manner.
• 96 percent felt their questions were answered to their satisfaction.

The children and families we surveyed also left us wonderful feedback on the care they received:

“Thank you for being so nice. This is a hard time and it’s nice to have people who care.”

“Es la primera vez y gracias por la ayuda y por ser tan amables y brindar la ayuda necesaria. [This is our first time.  We thank you for the help, and for your kindness and for offering the needed support.]”

“My experience today was great under the circumstances of why we were here. I really like the way that things were handled and how comfortable I felt with the staff! And the blankets were a great idea with giving comfort for the children.”

 “Awesome! Made the best of a terrible situation—I feel relieved for first time. Thank you!”

We are pleased to be able to share with you some of the responses from the Oregon Outcomes Measurement System Pilot Project.  We know that visitors to Global Giving want to be sure their dollars are having a real impact on our communities. Rest assured that when you designate your gift to CARES Northwest, your dollars are having a positive, direct effect on children during a very difficult time in their lives.

We hope you find this information and testimonies informative and inspirational. Thank you for your partnership and helping us minimize the trauma of child abuse — even stave off its occurrence — in the communities we serve throughout the Northwest.