Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)
217-524-2606 Outside of Illinois
1-800-358-5117 TTY
www.state.il.us/dcfs
Mandated Reporters
There are seven groups of mandated reporters as defined by state law (the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act or ANCRA, 1975):
- Education Personnel
- Medical Personnel
- Social Service and Mental Health Personnel
- Crisis Intervention Personnel
- Law Enforcement Personnel
- Recreation or Athletic Program or Facility Personnel
- Any Funeral Home Employee/Coroner/Medical Examiner Personnel
- Child Care Personnel
- Any Member of the Clergy
Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse and/or neglect is the maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, guardian, foster parent, relative caregiver, paramour, any individual residing in the same home, any person responsible for the child's welfare at the time of the alleged abuse, or any person who came to know the child through an official capacity or position of trust. Child abuse can be physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or neglect.
Physical abuse occurs when a parent or a person responsible for the child’s welfare inflicts, causes to be inflicted, or allows to be inflicted upon such child physical injury, by other than accidental mean; creates a substantial risk of physical injury; commits acts of torture; inflicts excessive corporal punishment; commits or allows to be committed the offense of female genital mutilation; causes to be sold, transferred, distributed, or given to such child under 18 years of age, a controlled substance.
Sexual abuse occurs when a parent or a person responsible for the child’s welfare commits or allows to be committed any of the following: transmission of a sexual disease; sexual penetration; sexual exploitation; sexual conduct; and/or places a minor at risk of sexual injury.
Neglect occurs when a parent or a person responsible for the child deprives or fails to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or needed medical treatment.
When to Call the Department of Children and Family Services Hotline
In the state of Illinois, all reports of known or suspected child abuse and/or neglect are reported to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE). For non-emergency situations, you may make an online report.
Whenever you have "reasonable cause to believe" that a person who cares for a child, lives with a child, or works with or around children has caused injury or harm, or puts a child at risk of sexual and/or physical injury, or has neglected the child's basic needs, you should immediately report to the department. The Hotline worker can advise you on whether the signs you have observed are abuse.
Mandated Reporters are required to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment immediately when they have reason to believe that a child known to them through their professional or official capacity may be an abused and/or neglected child.
Making the Call to the Department of Children and Family Services Hotline
Call the Police (911) if a child is in immediate danger or has been injured.
Your report is confidential and is not subject to public release under the Open Records Act. The law provides for immunity from civil or criminal liabilities for innocent persons who report even unfounded suspicions, as long as your report is made in good faith. Your identity is kept confidential. Remember, even if you do not have all the information, you are still encouraged to call. Be sure to identify if you are a mandated reporter. The Hotline worker will ask you to provide the following information:
- Name, address and age of the victim(s)
- Name and address of parent(s)/caretaker(s) and siblings
- Relationship of caretakers(s) to victim(s)
- Details of the abuse, including specifics of the incident(s), location and severity of injuries, any pattern of neglect or abuse, and any physical evidence.
- Any explanation provided by the child
- Any other relevant information that would expedite the investigation, such as directions to the victim's house (especially in rural areas) or information about potential risks to the investigator.
After Calling the Department of Children and Family Services Hotline
After listening to what you report, the Hotline worker will then determine if the information provided meets the legal requirements for DCFS to initiate an investigation. If an investigation is initiated, a child protection investigator will begin the investigation process within 24 hours. If the information does not meet the legal requirement to initiate an investigation, you will be informed of the reasons why and referrals provided if appropriate. If you disagree, you may ask to speak with a Hotline supervisor.