Mandatory Reporting: Child Abuse and Neglect in Illinois - Report

This report examines the mandatory reporting laws concerning child abuse and neglect, specifically focusing on the state of Illinois. It outlines the responsibilities of mandated reporters, including healthcare professionals, educators, and social workers, who are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (IDCFS). The report highlights the legal protections afforded to reporters, such as immunity from liability when acting in good faith. It also references relevant statutes and case law, emphasizing the consequences of failing to report suspected abuse or neglect. The report underscores the importance of understanding these laws to protect children and ensure their safety and well-being. References are included to support the information presented.

Running head: MANDATORY REPORTING
MANDATORY REPORTING
Name of Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1MANDATORY REPORTING
According to the reporter statute of Illinois law, specific individuals called the
mandatory reporters need to immediately report suspected child neglect or abuse to the Illinois
Department of child and family services or IDCFS through the hotline available for reporting
child abuse. The law of Illinois protects the mandated reporter’s identity and get immunity from
liability due to the good faith reports (Hutchison, 1993). The act for looking after the mandatory
reporting statue in Illinois is known as the Abused and neglected child reporting act under 325
ILCS 5/1.
Moreover a mandated reporter may be faced with situation where there is an issue of
suspected child abuse or neglect while dealing with their clients and although information related
to child neglect or abuse is confidential, the reporters are required to report the issue to the
IDCFS. It is the responsibility of a mandatory reporter to make a report when they have
sufficient cause to believe that a child is being subjected to either child abuse or neglect. This
information can be gathered by the reporters either directly from the children or through their
scheduled programs (Jaudes, Ekwo and Van Voorhis, 1995).
And if a mandatory reports willingly fails to report an issue of child abuse or neglect or
any person who is likely to inhibit the report and where such a neglect or abuse leads to death or
even injuries to the body, they will be punished with a minimum of 1 year imprisonment or fine
not exceeding $ 5000 or even both.

2MANDATORY REPORTING
References
Hutchison, E. D. (1993). Mandatory reporting laws: Child protective case finding gone
awry?. Social work, 38(1), 56-63.
Jaudes, P.K., Ekwo, E. and Van Voorhis, J., 1995. Association of drug abuse and child
abuse. Child abuse & neglect, 19(9), pp.1065-1075.