CARES’ unique “wraparound” approach and Family Team Conferencing offers services and support to families experiencing stressors that could lead to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Since our inception, we have provided support to more than 15,000 children and their families.

The mission of CARES is to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families so they can remain together in the community. CARES (coordination, advocacy, resources, education and support) is a family-centered, strength-based model for child abuse prevention and family preservation.

CARES strives to prevent situations or events that would result in a child being removed from their home. Learn more about programs and services offered by CARES and our partners to strengthen the families of Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

The evidence based C.A.R.E.S. Model was developed at CARES, using high fidelity Wraparound Care Coordination, and is identified as an evidence based promising research practice by The California Evidence Based Clearinghouse. The model has a proven, effective, strength-based and family-centered program component that safely diverts entry into the mental health, juvenile justice and child welfare system by strategically reaching families before stressors they experience lead to child abuse and neglect.

This model is now being replicated nationwide by The National Center for Innovation & Excellence. You can find out how to bring the C.A.R.E.S. Model to your community by clicking here