Child Abuse Hotline-DCFS

Program Details

Operating Agency: Hotline Numbers (Professional )

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Handicap Accessibility: Not Applicable

Program/Service Notes

Child abuse is the mistreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caretaker, someone living in their home or someone who works with or around children. The mistreatment must cause injury or put the child at risk of physical injury. Child abuse can be physical (such as burns or broken bones), sexual (such as fondling or incest), or emotional. Neglect happens when a parent or responsible caretaker fails to provide adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter or other basics for a child. The Department's protective services most often begin with a report of abuse or neglect made to the Child Abuse Hotline (800) 25-ABUSE, or 217-524-2606. The Hotline is located at the Department’s State Central Register in Springfield. Anyone may report suspected child abuse or neglect. However, state law mandates that workers in certain professions must make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. A majority of reports are initiated by calls from mandated reporters. Mandated reporters include: physicians psychiatrists, surgeons residents interns dentists dental hygienists medical examiners pathologists pathologists osteopaths coroners Christian Science practitioners chiropractors podiatrists registered and licensed practical nurses emergency medical technicians hospital administrators and other personnel involved in the examination care or treatment of patients teachers school personnel educational advocates assigned to a child pursuant to the School Code truant officers directors and staff assistants of day care centers and nursery schools child care workers truant officers probation officers law enforcement officers field personnel of the Departments of Children and Family Services Public Health, Public Aid Human Services (acting as successor to the Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Rehabilitation Services, or Public Aid) Corrections Human Rights

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