• Family from CARES program smiling

CARES Program

Mental health support for youth

The Easterseals PORT Health Community Assessment and Response to Expedite Services (CARES) program was formed to reduce barriers for children and families experiencing frequent crisis events. Our team works with youth and families to provide quick and easy access to community services following a crisis event that includes screening, assessment, care coordination and a warm hand-off to the most appropriate mental health service.

Quick Links

Child First NC

Mobile Crisis Management

Multisystemic Therapy

NC START

VA REACH

In 2017, Easterseals PORT Health conducted a pilot program for children in crisis that provided access to care and engagement in community services, which resulted in positive outcomes including quick access to assessment, increased engagement in services, reduction in future crisis episodes and overall reduction in symptoms. The youth referred to us often had a high level of need, required an immediate assessment and a link to mental health services to try avoiding out of home placement.

In 2018, we expanded the program and created a new partnership with the Alliance’s School Based Care Coordination (SBCC) team. Together, we are able to help families in accessing an appropriate level of care with a proven whole-person approach to their care.

A person-centered approach to children’s mental health care

Easterseals PORT Health CARES program offers immediate support to families in need and connects them with mental health services that are right for them.

Here’s what our clients are saying…

“I met an angel that day and can’t thank you enough. I didn’t know how I was going to get through it. I don’t know how you are able to get young people to buy into the program. But we were able to figure it out and it was the best outcome given the circumstances.”

Be a part of our story.

Careers