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1-800-25-ABUSE
All calls to report suspected
abuse or neglect must be made to the statewide Hotline.
The toll-free number is 1-800-252-2873 (1-800-25-ABUSE).
The TTY number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-358-5117.
At the Hotline, specially trained intake workers answer
the phones and handle calls from anyone who wishes to
report an incident of suspected child abuse or neglect.
The Hotline is available 24 hours per day, seven days
per week, 365 days a year.
When too many calls come
in to the Hotline to be taken immediately, a recording
will engage your call and a system is implemented to
screen and re-call reporters who are waiting. A "call
back" will be made just as soon as an intake worker
becomes available. However, if your call is an emergency
or a child is in immediate danger, you should tell the
message taker, and your call will be taken. The Hotline
system tries to assure that all call backs are made
just as soon as possible.
If the Hotline intake worker does not accept your call
as a report, you will be informed of that fact and given
the reason. Most often the explanation will relate to
DCFS' legal jurisdiction or to the evaluation of risk
of harm to the child.
If a report is taken
by the Hotline worker, an investigation is commenced
within 24 hours.
The
above information is a condensed version from A Manual
for Mandated Reporters, October 2000 published by the
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services,
Children's Justice Task Force.
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