Section 10.263  Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect

a)         As mandated by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act [22 ILCS], Department field staff are required to immediately report to the Department of Children and Family Services suspected abuse or neglect [325 ILCS 5/1 et seq.].  A report is to be filed when there is reason to believe a child may be an abused or neglected child or when information is received that a child may be an abused or neglected child. Abuse or neglect, as defined by State law (Section 3 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act [325 ILCS 5/3]) and the rules and regulations of the Department of Children and Family Services (89 Ill. Adm. Code 302: Subpart B) is reportable.

b)         This reporting requirement applies to all Department staff.  This includes income maintenance and any other staff who suspect that a child, with whom they have had contact in a working capacity, is an abused or neglected child.

(Source:  Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 7856, effective May 16, 2000)