Escape Now

MANDATED REPORTING BASICS

Guidelines for disclosures of abuse and/or neglect:

The child disclosing may be feeling embarrassed, scared, lonely, and/or angry. Following are some important things to remember and aid in the disclosure:

  1. Listen to the child without expressing panic or shock.
  2. Believe that the child is telling the truth.
  3. State to the child it is never his or her fault.
  4. Let the child tell the story. Do not assume anything.
  5. Do not ask leading questions (e.g. Did your daddy hurt you with something?)
  6. Gather pertinent information by asking open-ended questions. (e.g. Tell me about what happened. Can you tell me where you were? Who was around or with you?)
  7. Report to the proper authorities.
Four criteria for a report to be taken:
  1. The victim must be under 18
  2. The perpetrator (person committing the abuse/neglect) must be -
    • parent/guardian, step-parent, foster parent, sibling, grandparent, or paramour of anyone living in the home
    • a person who knows the child through an official capacity or position of trust (e. g. teacher, coach, counselor, youth group volunteer, minister)
    • the person responsible for the welfare of the child (e.g. babysitter)
  3. There must be a specific incident or circumstances of abuse/neglect
  4. There must be demonstrated harm or substantial risk of abuse/neglect
Procedures for reporting child abuse & neglect:
  1. The Hotline is open to take calls 7 days a week 24 hours a day. Toll-free number 1-800-252-2873 (1-800-25-ABUSE) TTY number 1-800-358-5117 (For those with hearing impairments)
  2. Include the following information if known
    • Name & address of the child
    • Parents or other persons having custody of child
    • Child's age
    • Nature of the child's condition including evidence of previous injuries or disabilities
    • Identity of person believed to cause the abuse or neglect
    • Other pertinent information
  3. Within 48 hours provide a written confirmation of the oral report to the appropriate Child Protective Service Unit.
CANTS 5 Form - These forms are available from Illinois DCFS and should be on file at the local school agency or online at:

http://www.state.il.us/DCFS/library/com_communications_forms.shtml

Mandated reporters are immune from liability for making a report in good faith even if not substantiated!