While most individuals have no legal obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect, professionals who work with children are required by law to report suspected abuses.

The federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act requires all states to enforce an abuse and neglect reporting law. In Illinois, the law includes the following stipulations:

• The definition of professionals includes, but is not limited to
  • Physicians
  • Hospitals
  • Dentists
  • Christian Science practitioners
  • Coroners
  • Teachers
  • School administrators
  • Truant officers
  • Social workers or administrators
  • Nurses
  • Nursery school or child day care center personnel
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Field personnel of the Illinois Department of Public Aid
• Professionals and non-professionals are granted 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

Upon receipt of a written report, DCFS is required to conduct an investigation.

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.