DCFS Calling the Hotline
Catharina Kywe
Created on March 7, 2023
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Calling the Hotline
DCFS
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48
Making a Report to the Hotline
If confirmation is not provided, those mandated reporters are individually responsible for immediately ensuring a report is made. Nothing in this section precludes or may be used to preclude any person from reporting child abuse or child neglect.
The designated reporter must provide written confirmation of the report to those mandated reporters within 48 hours.
The report shall include the names and contact information for the other mandated reporters sharing the reasonable cause to believe that a child may be an abused or neglected child.
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Making a Report to the Hotline
You have reason to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred, (i.e. a child disclosed to you or you recognized signs of child abuse/neglect.)
Making a Report to the Hotline
Organize the information for your report
You have reason to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred, (i.e. a child disclosed to you or you recognized signs of child abuse/neglect.)
Making a Report to the Hotline
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Then call the hotline 1-800-25-ABUSE 1-800-252-2873 217-524-2606
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No
Yes
A “call back” process screens the reporter and re-calls them later
You report the information on what you’ve seen and heard
Is a Hotline Intake Worker available to take your call?
Making a Report to the Hotline
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Yes
A Division of Child Protection (DCP) investigation begins within 24 hours. You send/fax a written confirmation of the report within 48 hours to your local DCFS office.
Does the hotline Intake Worker accept your report?
Making a Report to the Hotline
No
You will be told why the report was not accepted. If you disagree, you may ask to speak with the Hotline Supervisor. You may request references to appropriate resources. The process stops here.
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An Investigator determines if the allegation is serious
Making a Report to the Hotline
Yes
If the investigator determines that the allegation is serious, The Police and the State’s Attorney will be notified of the alleged crime. A Police investigator may contact you in addition to the DCP investigator.
No
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Yes
An Investigator determines if there are safety concerns for the child
Making a Report to the Hotline
The investigator works with the family to develop a safety plan.
The investigator interviews you and may talk to other family members, potential witnesses, or professionals as part of the investigation.
No
Did the Investigator find “credible evidence” that the perpetrator committed child abuse/neglect?
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Making a Report to the Hotline
No
Yes
DCFS may refer the child and family to community services. The report is maintained in the stable computer registry for a limited period of time. The process stops here.
If the investigator does find credible evidence that the perpetrator committed child abuse/neglect, then the case is indicated. The report is maintained in the state computer registry and DCFS workers will recommend services to stabilize the family and protect the child.
In case of serious abuse reported by school personnel, DCFS sends a report of indicated findings to the child’s school. The report is “confidential” and is included in the temporary school record.
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Making a Report to the Hotline
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As a mandated reporter, you will receive a letter informing you of the findings on a case you report. You may receive information on actions taken to ensure the child’s safety by contacting the DCFS child protection supervisor. Other specific information about the report cannot be released.
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Making a Report to the Hotline
To speak to the hotline worker’s supervisor if you do not agree with the Hotline worker’s decision
To receive information about the finding and actions taken by the Department during the investigation, including actions taken to ensure a child’s safety
To request a review of an investigation that has been unfounded, if there are concerns regarding the adequacy of the investigation
To the hotline worker’s full name
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As a mandated Reporter, you have specific rights:
Making a Report to the Hotline
Reporter Tip - Drag and drop the facts into the white box
False
True
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Less than 5% of children reported for abuse or neglect are removed from the home and usually it is not long term. For those who are not removed, their families are provided with services to ensure the safety of the child
Making a Report to the Hotline
True or False
Many Mandated Reporters believe that when they make a child abuse or neglect report, the child will be removed from their family.
True! Confidentiality and anonymity of reporters is the LAW. DCFS cannot disclose the name of a reporter without an order from a judge. This will usually happen only if juvenile or criminal court proceedings are initiated against the parent or perpetrator.
If I call the hotline, the family will not be told my name?
True
False
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Making a Report to the Hotline
True or False
You’ve learned that you have a legal obligation to call the Hotline whenever a child discloses abuse/neglect, or when you recognize signs and symptoms of abuse/neglect. However, if you have never done this before, it’s natural to have several questions. The following are questions other mandated reporters have asked about reporting child abuse and neglect to the Hotline:
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Making a Report to the Hotline
What if the family can tell I made the report? Who is going to protect me from the parents? (Move objects away to reveal the answer)
Yes. If you made the report in good faith - meaning that you had reasonable cause to believe that child abuse occurred - you are protected by law. The law presumes that you acted in good faith.
False
True
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Making a Report to the Hotline
True or False
What happens if my report turns out to NOT be child abuse and/or neglect? Will I be protected from a lawsuit?
Mandated Reporters should never assume that another professional who is involved with the child has already reported the situation to the Hotline. It is your responsibility to call and report what you know about the situation. Even if a report has already been made, your information is still valuable, as it could assist the investigator in deciding whether to indicate the report.
No
Yes
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Making a Report to the Hotline
Yes or No
If I know other professionals involved with a family may have already reported an abuse/neglect situation, do I still need to call the Child Abuse Hotline to make a report?
No
Yes
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Making a Report to the Hotline
Yes or No
Have I fulfilled my obligation as a mandated reporter if I tell my supervisor (i.e., principal, manager, administrator) about my suspicions of child abuse or neglect?
No. It is your individual responsibility as a Mandated Reporter to ENSURE that a child abuse report is made to the Hotline. Telling your supervisor, or anyone else does not fulfill your legal obligation. You must ensure that the report is made. You may want to suggest that you and your supervisor make the Hotline call together, especially if you both have first hand information regarding the child. For purposes of documentation, it may be beneficial for the administrator or staff member to jointly complete and sign on the written confirmation of the verbal report before submitting it to the local DCFS office.
No
Yes
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Making a Report to the Hotline
Yes or No
Does my supervisor (i.e., principal, manager, administrator) have authority to decide whether I call the Hotline?
Although every organization has its own internal policies on reporting child abuse/neglect, the law states: that under no circumstances shall any person in charge of an institution, control, restrain, or modify a child abuse/neglect report.
Mandated Reporters who intentionally fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect can be charged with a misdemeanor (first violation) or a class 4 felony (second or subsequent violation). In addition, Mandated Reporters who have a license may lose that license to practice their professions.
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Making a Report to the Hotline
Slide the curtain to reveal the answer, and then click on the text.
What happens if I have reason to believe that a child is abused or neglected, but I don’t call the Hotline?
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Typically the answer is NO. The investigator will ask to interview the child alone and away from any type of influence. But if the child insists on having you present, the investigator will ask you to sign a statement promising not to disclose anything you hear in the interview. The investigator will keep a copy of your signed non-disclosure statement in the case file. If you were present at the interview and the case goes to court, you may be called to testify.
If an investigator comes to my work and wants to talk to the child, shouldn’t I be allowed to be in the room during the interview?
No
Yes
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Not unless it’s absolutely necessary. The investigator goes to the home, speaks with the parents and the child, and then assesses whether the child is safe there. Investigators can only remove children from the home when there is an urgent and immediate risk to their safety. DCFS tries to keep families together wherever possible by implementing safety plans and providing services to keep the children safe.
Does DCFS always remove children from the home?
No
Yes
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CONGRATULATIONS!
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YES
GAME OVER
CONTINUE?
Open the door for the answer.
Making a Report to the Hotline
Where do the children go if they have to be removed from their home?
Open the door for the answer.
Making a Report to the Hotline
Where do the children go if they have to be removed from their home?
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Not really! All you really need to remember is the number 1-800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). Any time you suspect abuse or neglect, make the call. Not sure you have enough details? Make the call anyway. Not sure if it really fits the criteria for abuse or neglect? Don't sweat over the decision! Go ahead and call. That’s why the Hotline is there.
Is there a lot to know about DCFS and being a Mandated Reporter?
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Absolutely. An updated version of the Mandated Reporter Manual will always be accessed through the DCFS website. Click on the manual to go to the PDF:
Is there a place where I can find all this information in writing?
Making a Report to the Hotline
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Fact 3
If something happens to the child, you will have no legal proof that you fulfilled your role as a Mandated Reporter.
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Fact 2
You cannot be notified of the results of the investigation because no one will know how to reach you.
The investigator will not be able to contact you to verify your information or gather any additional information you may have. This weakens the investigation.
Fact 1
Some mandated Reporters believe that they can make an anonymous call to the Hotline. Like the general public, Mandated Reporters do have the right to make reports to the Hotline anonymously. Before you make this decision to report anonymously, know all the facts:
Making a Report to the Hotline
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As a Mandated Reporter, if you make a good faith report to the Hotline, you are entitled to immunity from legal liability. That means you cannot be successfully sued by the parent or the alleged perpetrator, even if your report is not “indicated.” The law presumes you reported in good faith. To successfully sue you, the parent or perpetrator would have to prove that you willfully lied.
Making a Report to the Hotline
- 88% of homes, where children were physically abused, pets were mistreated too.
- Animal abuse is one of the 4 indicators that the F.B.I. profilers use to assess future violent behavior.
There is growing evidence that people who abuse animals also abuse other people. Research indicates strong links between animal abuse, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Important New Initiative in Child Protection - Animal Abuse:
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Although you may feel nervous about calling the Hotline, please remember that you play a critical role in protecting children from abuse/neglect. You hold the key to keeping children safe.
Making a Report to the Hotline
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To report suspected Animal Abuse, call The Animal Abuse Hotline: 217-782-6657
Conversely, DCFS Investigation Specialists, Intact Family Specialists, and Placement Specialists who reasonably believe that an animal observed by them when in their professional or official capacity is being abused or neglected must immediately make a written or oral report to the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare. In both cases, the law provides for immunity and confidentiality if the reports were made in good faith.
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In Illinois, there is now a joint agreement between the Department of Agriculture and DCFS regarding reporting abuse. Animal control officers or humane society investigators and Department of Agriculture investigators are now Mandated Reporters. If they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child is being abused or neglected or is in danger of being abused or neglected, they must immediately make a written or oral report to the Department of Children and Family Services.
Making a Report to the Hotline
Yes. Tony disclosed a sexual abuse incedent. You have enough information, and should call the hotline immediately
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No. Do not call the Hotline
Yes. Call the Hotline
Tony, age 16, has been seeing a therapist for a few months because he has issues with anger. Tony comes to one of his therapy sessions extremely upset. He explains that an adult male friend of the family took his younger brother to an amusement park yesterday but didn’t take him. He is very angry that this man doesn’t take him places anymore. When the therapist asks about the things they used to do together, Tony discloses that the man has touched his private parts several times.
Now let’s practice what you’ve learned. Read the following scenarios to practice recognizing child abuse or neglect. Then decide whether or not you should call the Hotline to report your suspicions.
Making a Report to the Hotline
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Yes. You should call the Hotline. Unexplained bruises on a child’s stomach and chest, give you reasonable cause to believe that the child has been abused.
No. Do not call the Hotline
Yes. Call the Hotline
Mary, age 4, complains to her caretaker about stomach pains as soon as she arrives at daycare. When the caretaker asks Mary to point to where it hurts, Mary pulls up her shirt and reveals bruises on her stomach and chest. The caretaker takes Mary out into the hallway for privacy and asks how she got the bruises. Mary responds, “I’m not supposed to tell,” and begins crying uncontrollably. Mary refuses to respond to any additional questions.
Making a Report to the Hotline
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No. In Illinois, only excessive corporal punishment is considered to be child abuse. Spanking is not considered child abuse unless the child is injured, or has visible marks such as cuts, welts, or bruises.
No. Do not call the Hotline
Yes. Call the Hotline
Noah, age 7, received several unsatisfactory marks on his report card. On the playground the next day, Noah told his teacher that his mother was mad, and gave him a “whoopin” over his report card. The teacher asked if he was hurt anywhere or had any bruises. Noah said no. The teacher observed no visible marks or bruises on Noah’s exposed legs and arms. Noah explained that his mother whoops all the kids in the family with her hand, or sometimes with her bedroom slippers, when they’re bad. Then he ran off to play with his friends.
Making a Report to the Hotline
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Yes, Call the hotline. The level of injury to the child does not match the explanation given, and gives you reasonable cause to believe that the child may have been physically abused. In addition, the explanation that a 6 year old is left to care for a 4 month old, gives you reasonable cause to believe that the child was placed at risk of harm.
No. Do not call the Hotline
Yes. Call the Hotline
Carlos, a 4 month old male infant arrives at the emergency room with his parents and is suffering from significant head trauma and bleeding in the ear. The parents explain that they think the child fell off the couch and hit his head, but they are not sure because they were sleeping in the other room. The 4 month old was on the couch watching TV with his 6 year old sister. The parents said the 6 year old woke them up and told them that the baby fell off the couch. When the child would not stop crying, they took the child to the emergency room.
Making a Report to the Hotline
When in doubt, MAKE A CHILD ABUSE REPORT and let DCFS do its job by investigating!