The CARE (Child Abuse Review and Evaluation) Network exists to train, support, and empower physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to identify and address child abuse and neglect across Kansas.
Your awareness of abuse and neglect indicators can be a critical help for children.
In partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Department for Children and Families, and Board-Certified Child Abuse Pediatricians, our mission is:
- To equip pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with yearly training on forensic evaluation and complete medical care for children ages 5 and under who may have experienced physical abuse or neglect.
- To provide mentorship, support, and ongoing education for a network of providers who actively serve these children in their communities.
- To empower multidisciplinary team members to better identify and respond to child abuse and neglect through education on injury mechanics and plausibility, sentinel injuries, and other medical aspects of abuse.
FAQ
What is a CARE Provider?
A CARE provider is a medical provider who has participated in KAAP training on child maltreatment. This training teaches practitioners how to recognize abusive injuries and understand the medical evaluation process when abuse is reported.
Who can become a CARE Provider?
Any physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant licensed in Kansas qualified to diagnose is eligible for CARE training.
What does CARE Network do?
The primary mission of the CARE Network is to equip pediatricians and other qualified medical providers with training, skills, and resources to provide quality and compassionate medical care for children ages 5 and under in the state of Kansas with a report of child physical abuse and neglect.
How does the CARE network operate?
The CARE network ensures that every reported case of suspected child abuse or neglect for children aged five and under is reviewed by a Board-certified Child Abuse Pediatrician. Their findings will recommend the next steps for each case. If their findings suggest a CARE exam, we work within the Network to refer the child to a trained provider within the child’s local community.
This Review, Recommend and Refer system provides a coordinated, medically informed response to ensure every child has access to the services they need.
Upcoming CARE Trainings
Become a CARE-trained provider.
You can make sure no child in Kansas suffers from abuse or neglect. Join us for the next CARE Provider Training.
2025 ECHO Series
Multiple dates
The CARE ECHO series is designed to empower pediatric providers to better recognize and respond to potential child abuse cases.
CARE Provider Update Training
Apr 22, 2025
The CARE Provider Update Training is available to those who have completed the two-day CARE provider training. We hope you’ll considering joining us as we take a deeper dive into child abuse and maltreatment topics.
New CARE Provider Training
Multiple dates
It takes a team with a coordinated, comprehensive medical response to protect Kansas children from abuse and neglect.
Care ECHO Series
Join us for the insight-rich CARE ECHO series.
Join us for the upcoming CARE ECHO series, which equips pediatric providers with the knowledge and skills to better recognize and respond to potential cases of child abuse.
Questions about becoming a CARE Provider?
Please contact Mallory Laur, CARE Program Manager.