What to expect at your child’s appointment
You or your child (or both!) may be feeling a little nervous about visiting CARES Northwest. We understand.
Below you can read more about what to expect to expect at your child’s evaluation appointment. You can also read more about our services here or contact our intake team at (503) 276-9000 if you have questions or concerns.
Our Family Support Team member will do their best to reach you and answer any questions you may have. If you’re not able to connect ahead of time, don’t worry; there will be plenty of time to ask questions at your child’s appointment. We know it can take time to build trust and rapport to ensure that everything goes at your child’s or teen’s pace, the appointment may last 3-4 hours.
When you arrive at CARES Northwest, we will check you in and welcome you into one of our family waiting rooms. You and your child will meet your evaluation team, which includes a family support team member, child interviewer, and medical provider. Community partners like the police detective or DHS case worker involved in your child’s case are also invited to the appointment to minimize the number of times you and your child need to share your experiences.
While your child watches a movie or plays a game in the waiting room with one of our caring volunteers, you will meet privately with your evaluation team to talk about any concerns you have. We will also ask you some questions about your child and family’s medical and social history to help us better understand your unique situation and needs.
After you finish talking with your evaluation team, you will return to the waiting room and your child will begin their part of the appointment. Your child will have a head-to-toe medical check-up and – for children typically four years old and older – a child-friendly interview. Kids get to decide what happens during their check-up and interview, including ending it at any time. To create the most neutral setting for your child to speak freely, family members do not observe the interview. Children may have a support person present during their check-up if they choose.
While your child has their check-up and interview, you can meet with your family support team member, who is there to answer questions and provide emotional support and connect you to community resources. Family support is available after the appointment too, for as long as you need us. We are here to help.
After your child finishes their check-up and interview, your evaluation team will meet with you again privately to share what they learned and talk about recommendations and next steps, including whether counseling may be helpful. You may also meet separately with the other community partners involved in your child’s case to ask questions, if available.
All CARES Northwest services are available at no cost to you. If your child has health insurance, we will bill it directly. There is no copay for our services.