WAG 01-05-01: Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

PM 01-05-01

1. Call the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Central Register to report abuse and neglect when observed, or when reported by the general public. This includes the death of a child as a result of suspected abuse or neglect.
2. Call or personally see the coroner or medical examiner to report the death of a child that resulted from suspected abuse or neglect. Submit a written report upon request.
3. Call the DCFS Central Register to report a suspected unsuitable home.
4. Within 48 hours of the phone report, complete 3 copies of CANTS 5, Written Confirmation of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Report: Mandated Reporters. Provide as much information as possible to help DCFS identify or locate the child.
5. Distribute completed CANTS 5:
   1. Original to:

      The Child Protective Service Unit
      1026 S. Damen
      Chicago, IL 60612

   2. Copy to: 

      State Central Register, DCFS
      One North Old State Capitol Plaza
      Springfield, IL 62706

   3. File copy in case record.

6. Immediately respond to any request, written or verbal, from DCFS for case information when DCFS is investigating possible abuse or neglect.
7. Search the case record for additional information which relates to a DCFS investigation of abuse or neglect.
8. Attend court proceedings and give testimony from documented case information, when required by a DCFS investigation of abuse or neglect.