The CARES assessment may be administered with identifiable information, provided that appropriate parental consent procedures are observed. Students may participate in the CARES assessment only after giving consent.  Participating students enter their school identification number, which enables the school care team to evaluate their wellness needs and deliver targeted follow-up support.

CARES can also help set social-emotional goals and track how students are doing, whether they have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 plan, or take part in other school counseling and wellness programs. It gives parents, school staff, and students clear information about well-being. Each year, the data can be reviewed to determine whether goals have been met and to help adjust students' social-emotional objectives or schoolwide social-emotional efforts.

Schools are using CARES as a universal wellness screener with a Qualtrics survey linked to a Tableau data dashboard accessible only to the district. Developed by WestEd, the CARES dashboard allows school mental health teams to review students' responses the same day. This quick access helps teams plan and provide timely Tier 2 follow-up support when needed.