1. Mandated Reporting

2.  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 (1 st violation) or a Class 4 Felony (2 nd or subsequent violation).

3. Mandated Reporters Mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties.  Medical personnel  School personnel  Social Service/Mental Health personnel  Law Enforcement personnel  Coroner/Medical Examiner personnel  Child Care personnel  Members of the clergy

4. Mandated Reporting The “Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act” places the following requirements on a mandated reporter:  Required to report immediately.  Privileged communication - still must report.  You may have to testify.

5. 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.

6. Acknowledgements Resources provided by: - Mark Wynn, Wynn Consulting – www.markwynn.com - Lydia Walker, Domestic Violence Trainer/Consultant, LydiaWalker@cox-internet.com - 4 th Judicial Circuit FVCC Law Enforcement Committee - OVW Rural Grant Committee, 4 th 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

7. ○ “ 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.”