NCJ Number
200334
Date Published
May 2003
Length
98 pages
Annotation
This document provides guidance to school administrators on child welfare services in Illinois.
Abstract
As mandated reporters, all school personnel must contact the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child that is 17 years of age or younger and known to them in their professional capacity has been harmed or is in danger of being harmed physically, sexually, or through neglect by a caregiver. It is the responsibility of the mandated reporter to ensure that a report is made to the Child Abuse Hotline. State law does not require that a school notify a child’s parents of a child abuse or neglect report. State law protects the identity of all mandated reporters, and they are given immunity from legal liability as a result of reports made in good faith. School personnel that intentionally fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect are subject to license suspension or revocation in accordance with the Illinois School Code, and could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor. When contacting the hotline, a caller will be asked to provide the name, address, and age of victim(s); name and address of parent(s) or caregiver; relationship of the caretaker to victim(s); details of the abuse; any explanation provided by the child; and any other relevant information that would expedite the investigation. During an investigation, DCFS child protection investigative staff gathers information about the specific allegations of harm to the child. If the investigation reveals credible evidence that the abuse or neglect occurred, the report is “indicated.” If no credible evidence is found, the report is “unfounded.” Certain serious allegations have a requirement that the local law enforcement agency and the State’s Attorney be notified of the report as a possible criminal act. There are many services available to families with an indicated finding of child abuse. Parents may receive counseling or assistance in developing parenting skills, or for substance abuse problems. In cases of unfounded reports, the Department will retain a record of the report for 1 year. 6 appendices