Your obligation to report suspected child abuse
This column deals with the obligations under the law of certain classes of professionals who must report suspected child abuse or neglect. While most individuals may have no legal obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect, this column should not be intended to be interpreted as eliminating a moral obligation to do so.
Professionals who work with children, however, are required by law to report these suspected abuses.
Their failure to perform that duty, together with a subsequent injury to the child that results in permanent injury or death, could give rise to a cause of action in court for negligence.
The Abuse and Neglected Child Reporting Act mandates this duty for professionals, with the following stipulations:
- Professionals are defined as any physician, hospital, surgeon, dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, podiatrist, Christian Science practitioner, coroner, teacher, administrator, truant officer, social worker, social services administrator, nurse, nursery school or child day care center personnel, law enforcement officer or field personnel of the Illinois Department of Public Aid.
- Professionals and non-professionals will receive immunity from criminal or civil liability if they make a report "in good faith."
- Reports of suspected abuse cases should be made immediately to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE.
- A professional must file a written report within 24 hours of making the verbal report.
After receiving a written report, DCFS is required to conduct an investigation, which includes contacting professionals and non-professionals alike, so that the safety of the child can be assured.
Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.
© Illinois State Bar Association
If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.