Child Abuse Response & Evaluation (CARE) Network
We work to advance knowledge that guides the child welfare field with the implementation of progressive initiatives such as foster care redesign, disparities research, family group decision making, and differential response within child protection systems.
All children who have experienced maltreatment deserve access to high quality medical evaluations and behavioral health screenings. Expertise in conducting medical evaluations and behavioral health screenings in suspected cases of child maltreatment is extremely limited. Increased access to proper evaluation, diagnosis and care will improve children’s physical and mental health and safety. The CARE Network was established in 2019 to increase capacity throughout the state by establishing a standardized and coordinated response to suspected cases of child maltreatment. You can join a designated network of providers around the state who are committed to providing quality care for children within their communities. We ensure support for network providers through education and training opportunities, mentorship, financial reimbursement and other resources.
How to get involved with the CARE Network
CARE Network providers have made a commitment to provide children for which abuse or neglect is suspected easy access to proper diagnosis and care. Designated CARE Network providers are:
For more information on requirements and how to join the CARE Network as a designated provider: Please see Medical Providers tab |
In an effort to support the CARE Network Designated Providers, the following community resources for families to address health and social needs have been compiled. Visit the CARE Network Community Resource Directory for detailed information on continuing care resources across the state of Colorado, including contact information for agencies and institutions responsible for the health and safety of children. |
Contact Us |
When child maltreatment is suspected, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in recognition and treatment, family support and community collaboration. Behavioral health professionals play a critical role in assessment and intervention.
YOU can join the network. Learn more about requirements, commitment, training and how to join: Medical provider? Please see Medical Providers tab.
Behavioral health provider?
Please see Behavioral Health Providers tab
I've been the "child abuse physician" for the six counties that make up the 7th Judicial District for 33 years. I'm also a general Pediatrician in a busy practice. I used conferences, reading, and "the school of hard knocks" to access training. The CARE Network program has been a game changer for me. Through this program, I have access to a mentor to review my cases and that I can call for consultation. All of the members receive great education through the ECHO programs and case presentations this program provides. There is also an annual training that I feel is specifically tailored to our skill levels. It provides good research proven material in a manner that is practical for practice. I feel fortunate to have this available to me and the children of Colorado. I'm encouraging my partners and our SANE providers to access this program as well. It is absolutely worth the time spent.
- Dr. Mary Vader, CARE Network Provider
GET TO KNOW US
About
Expertise to conduct medical exams and behavioral health assessments to evaluate suspected cases of child abuse and neglect is extremely limited. There are only six board-certified specialists in the field of child abuse pediatrics in Colorado – five in Denver and one in Colorado Springs. Distances limit access to expert evaluations in most of the state’s 64 counties, resulting in a serious problem with a lack of support for providers to be able to conduct medical exams and behavioral health assessments for suspected physical and sexual abuse or neglect.
The CARE Network's aim is to increase local capacity by building appropriate infrastructure to provide technical assistance and resources through a state-funded program that develops and maintains a standardized, coordinated response to suspected child abuse and neglect through a network of designated healthcare providers.
Under contract with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, The Kempe Center serves as The Resource Center for these designated CARE Network providers to offer the following support:
- Training conducted by board-certified Child Abuse Pediatricians on how to identify signs of risk for maltreatment
- Ongoing education and mentorship opportunities
- Direct access to comprehensive evidence based medical and behavioral health assessments for suspected physical & sexual abuse
- Expert consultation when direct access is not possible
- Streamlined referral process for designated providers
- Access to available resources to ensure continuing care
- Enhanced reimbursement for evaluations and assessments conducted by for CARE Network providers
CARE Network providers are physicians, psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and licensed behavioral health providers that have made a commitment to providing children, for which abuse or neglect is suspected, easy access to proper diagnosis and care by completing the CARE Network new provider training and participating in continuing education and mentorship.
CARE Network Providers
Provider Info & Requirements
1. ELIGIBLE PROVIDER TYPES
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| 2.LICENSE VERIFICATION Screening processed by The Kempe Center through DORA confirming that a new provider's license is in good standing. |
3.TRAINING REQUIREMENTS INITIAL TRAINING
For more information on CARE Network training opportunities, see Training & Education tab. |
4.MENTORSHIP CARE Network providers must actively participate in the case review / mentorship program:
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CARE Network Provider Application
If you have questions about joining as a designated provider before submitting your application, please reach out to [email protected].
Medical Providers
Apply Here | Behavioral Health Providers
Apply Here |
Onboarding and Procedure
The CARE Network develops invoices, and submits them, on behalf of providers based on information providers enter into the REDCap database.
- New providers will receive an email with the subject line “CARE Network Billing Set Up Instructions”. A link to REDCap will be embedded in the email and specific to the recipient provider.
- The following information will be needed to complete the billing information in REDCap. Please prepare prior to selecting the link in the email:
- Billing Agency, if this is different than the provider’s legal name
- Billing Street, Apt (if any), City, State and Zip Code
- The Purchase Order (PO) that has been issued to the provider by Kempe.
- Please read the information/directions in the email, then select the embedded link. The link will open the database. Complete all required fields and select the “Submit” button. Providers will only need to complete this step one time.
If you encounter any issues with billing set up or have not received your email instructions, please email [email protected].
SUBMITTING ASSESSMENTS TO THE CARE NETWORK
Submitting Your First AssessmentStep-by-step instructions and video tutorial for submitting your first CARE Network assessment for review. | Submitting Subsequent AssessmentsStep-by-step instructions and video tutorials for submitting subsequent CARE Network assessment for review. | Need Help?Reach out to a CARE Network team member at [email protected] for assistance in submitting medical evaluations for review. |
Resources For Medical Providers
Components of a Physical or Sexual Abuse EvaluationImportant exam elements that should be included as part of a complete assessment. | Physical Abuse Screening and Treatment GuidelineWhat is the appropriate work up for physical abuse based on child’s age and presenting symptoms? | Best Practice Standards: Medical ProvidersA guide for how to complete an evaluation, including standards for history taking, physical exam and testing. | Community (Non-Occupational) Blood or Bodily Fluid Exposure PathwayClinical care recommendations designed to help medical providers identify, screen, and treat children at-risk of transmission of infectious agents from blood or bodily fluid sexual exposures. |
A Quick Guide to Completing and Submitting a CARE Network Medical EvaluationNeed a quick primer on how to submit your evaluation data? | CARE Network Evaluation Participation FormThis participation form is optional based on provider's preference to supply clients with more program information. | CARE Network Referral FormA suggested template for communication between DHS and CARE Network Provider | A Flyer for Families: A CARE Network EvaluationFlyer that provides information on a CARE Network evaluation, what families can expect, how to talk to children, etc. |
Behavioral Health Resources For The Medical Provider
CARE Process ModelTrauma and behavioral health screening tool. | Best Practice Standards: Behavioral Health Component of Medical EvaluationA guide for designated medical providers for how to screen for trauma and other behavioral health issues as part of your complete evaluation. | Behavioral Health PartnersAccess a list of different types of behavioral health providers |
Click Here for Personalized Marketing Materials
Tips On How To Develop Relationships And Increase Your Referrals
Provider Info & Requirements
1. ELIGIBLE PROVIDER TYPES
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2.BACKGROUND CHECK CARE Network providers must successfully complete a background screening. Screening processed by The Kempe Center through DORA confirming that a new provider's license is in good standing. |
3.TRAINING REQUIREMENTS INITIAL TRAINING
ONGOING TRAINING
For more information on CARE Network training opportunities, see Training & Education tab. |
4.MENTORSHIP CARE Network providers must actively participate in the case review / mentorship program:
|
CARE Network Provider Application
If you have questions about joining as a designated provider before submitting your application, please reach out to [email protected].
Medical Providers
Apply Here | Behavioral Health Providers
Apply Here |
Onboarding and Procedure
The CARE Network develops invoices, and submits them, on behalf of providers based on information providers enter into the REDCap database.
- New providers will receive an email with the subject line “CARE Network Billing Set Up Instructions”. A link to REDCap will be embedded in the email and specific to the recipient provider.
- The following information will be needed to complete the billing information in REDCap. Please prepare prior to selecting the link in the email:
- Billing Agency, if this is different than the provider’s legal name
- Billing Street, Apt (if any), City, State and Zip Code
- The Purchase Order (PO) that has been issued to the provider by Kempe.
- Please read the information/directions in the email, then select the embedded link. The link will open the database. Complete all required fields and select the “Submit” button. Providers will only need to complete this step one time.
If you encounter any issues with billing set up or have not received your email instructions, please email [email protected].
Resources For Behavioral Health Providers
The Child PTSD Symptom Scale for DSM-VScreening measure to evaluate presence of trauma symptomology and/or a diagnosis of PTSD | PHQ-9 (modified for adolescents- PHQ-A)Screening measure to evaluate presence of depressive symptomology and/or a diagnosis of Depression | Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)Screening measure to evaluate presence of anxiety symptomology and/or diagnosis of Anxiety | Decision Tree for Adjunctive MeasuresRecommendations for additional screening measures based on positive screens in the PTSD, PHQ-A or SCARED measures |
EXAMPLE- Child Intake FormHere is an example of an intake form that CU’s trauma team uses | A Flyer for Families: A CARE Network Behavioral Health IntakeFlyer that provides information on a CARE Network Behavioral Health Intake, what families can expect, how to talk to children, etc. | CARE Network Participation FormThis participation form is optional based on provider's preference to supply clients with more program information. | CARE Network Referral FormA suggested template for communication between DHS and CARE Network Provider |
Click Here for Behavioral Health Best Practice Standards
Click Here for Personalized Marketing Materials
Tips On How To Develop Relationships And Increase Your Referrals
Training Opportunities
New Provider TrainingMay 5-6, 2025 | Anschutz Medical CampusThe CARE Network invites all prospective designated providers who have a commitment to children to attend the new provider training. Participation is required to join the Network but is also open to providers interested in expanding their knowledge about identifying & treating child maltreatment. | Medical Provider ECHO SeriesMonthly, 4th Tuesday | 12-1 PM MTCARE Network Providers are required to participate in at least 6 ECHO sessions between July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024. Continuing Education Credits will be awarded for participation. |
Annual Provider TrainingMay 5-6, 2025 | Anschutz Medical CampusThis mandatory, annual training is an opportunity for current designated providers to network, participate in peer learning through case discussion, learn from experts, and receive updates on the CARE Network and direction for the upcoming year. | Behavioral Health Provider ECHO SeriesMonthly, 1st Monday | 12-1 PM MTCARE Network Providers are required to participate in at least 6 ECHO sessions between July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024. Continuing Education Credits will be awarded for participation. |
Annual Provider Training | TBD for 2026
About the Training
This mandatory, annual training will be an opportunity for current CARE Network providers to network, participate in peer learning through case discussion, learn from experts, and receive updates on the CARE Network and direction for the upcoming year.
Eligible Participants
Training is geared toward current CARE Network Providers:
- Physicians (MD, DO)
- Psychologists (Psy.D, Ph.D)
- Advanced Practice Providers (PA, NP)
- Licensed Behavioral Health Providers (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, APN)
- Nurses (RN practicing as SANE or FNE)
Registration and More
The Annual CARE Network Training for 2026 is TBD. This is a great opportunity to enhance your skills, stay up to date, and connect with fellow providers from across the network.
Location: TBD
Continuing Education Credit:
All training participants will be issued continuing education credit at no cost.
Registration: TBD
New Provider Training | TBD for 2026
About the Training
The CARE Network invites all prospective CARE Network providers to attend the New Provider Training. Participation is required to join the Network but is also open to providers interested in expanding their knowledge about identifying & treating child maltreatment.
Faculty for this two-day intensive training include child abuse, community pediatric, nursing and behavioral health experts. This two-day training is specifically designed to help medical and behavioral health professionals provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art evaluations and assessments to children who may be the victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect.
Eligible Participants
Training is geared toward:
- Physicians (MD, DO)
- Psychologists (Psy.D, Ph.D)
- Advanced Practice Providers (PA, NP)
- Licensed Behavioral Health Providers (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, APN)
- Nurses (RN practicing as SANE or FNE)
Registration and More
The Annual CARE Network Training for 2026 is TBD. This is a great opportunity to enhance your skills, stay up to date, and connect with fellow providers from across the network.
Location: TBD
Continuing Education Credit:
All training participants will be issued continuing education credit at no cost.
Registration: TBD
ECHO Series
ECHO Series Presentations - Dropbox
These presentations are password-protected and should only be accessed by CARE Network providers to whom the team has given the unique password.