Allegations of Child Abuse or Neglect and DCFS
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS PROCESS Who is DCFS? The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the Illinois government department that handles child protective services. It is assigned with the task of investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect in Illinois. DCFS has the duty to protect Illinois children from harm and abuse. How Does DCFS Learn About Possible Abuse and Neglect Cases? Many people are aware of DCFS and understand their purpose. When child abuse or neglect is suspected many people do report it to the DCFS phone hotline. They also have ways for people to report their suspicions online. DCFS wants citizens of our state to understand that we all, as a society, have a civic obligation to report possible child abuse and neglect. Many people are also what we refer to as “mandated reporters.” These are people that must report any and all suspected abuse and neglect. Typi...