Mandated Reporting

Mandated Reporting Mandated reporters are required to report

suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have “reasonable cause to believe” that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused or neglected child.

Reports are made by calling the DCFS Hotline at:1-800-25 ABUSE

Willful failure to report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect is a Misdemeanor (1st violation) or a Class 4 Felony (2nd or subsequent violation).

Mandated ReportersMandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of theirprofessional duties.

Medical personnel School personnel Social Service/Mental Health personnel Law Enforcement personnel Coroner/Medical Examiner personnel Child Care personnel Members of the clergy

Mandated ReportingThe “Abused and Neglected Child ReportingAct” places the following requirements on amandated reporter:

Required to report immediately. Privileged communication - still must report. You may have to testify.

Mandated Reporting Immunity from legal liability. Reports must be confirmed in writing within 48

hours of call. Receive a letter informing them of the finding -

indicated or unfounded.

AcknowledgementsResources provided by:

- Mark Wynn, Wynn Consulting – www.markwynn.com - Lydia Walker, Domestic Violence Trainer/Consultant,

LydiaWalker@cox-internet.com - 4th Judicial Circuit FVCC Law Enforcement Committee- OVW Rural Grant Committee, 4th Judicial Circuit- Illinois Department of Public Health,

http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/factsheets/dv.htm - National Coalition Against Domestic Violence,

http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet(National).pdf - Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Manual for

Mandated Reporters – September 2006

○ “ The original project was supported by Grant # 2008-WR-AX-0016, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, though the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Points of view, opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.”