Child Abuse Resource & Education

The Child Abuse Resource and Education (CARE) Program at Dell Children’s is a medical consultation service that works to make sure that all children who enter our doors are safe and healthy. CARE team members at Dell Children’s provide physical and psychological health assessments for children in Austin and throughout Central Texas who have been referred to them for concerns of abuse or neglect. We assess for all types of child maltreatment, including:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Medical abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Neglect

Our goal is to make sure children in our community are safe and healthy, and when indicated by law, we communicate with the appropriate community and government agencies.

Working with partners in the community

Children who are referred to the CARE Program have an entire team dedicated to their safety and well-being. This team includes child abuse pediatricians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, social workers, nurses and other medical staff. The team works together to assess medically whether child abuse or neglect are occurring. Then, we create a care plan that addresses the child's physical and emotional health. We also work with the appropriate community and government agencies when indicated. The CARE Program provides:

• Medical evaluation services
• Educational information for families and caregivers
• Educational sessions for community partners/agencies and medical providers
• Coordination with law enforcement, child protection services and other legal professionals as indicated by law

Compassionate care at Dell Children’s

From the moment a child enters the doors at Dell Children’s, we make their experience as comfortable as possible. The CARE Program’s medical providers and social workers are specially trained to work with children and families who have children who may have experienced abuse and neglect. Care teams take the time to listen to the child and explain what is happening in a way they can understand. Our goal is to make each child feel physically and emotionally safe.

Reporting child abuse and neglect

At Dell Children's, we all take abuse and neglect of children seriously, identifying and reporting as required by law. As a healthcare provider in Texas, our doctors, nurses and care teams are required by law to report suspected abuse within 48 hours of first suspecting that a child has been or may be abused or neglected. To report concerns of abuse and neglect, call the Child Protective Services Hotline at 800-252-5400.

Refer a child to the CARE Program

If you are a medical provider who wants to refer a patient to the CARE Program, please call our office at 512-324-0095.