Section 260.1950  Reporting Requirements for Allegations of Abuse and Neglect

a)         All employees and volunteers shall be considered mandated reporters as defined in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

1)         Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be immediately reported to the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline and to local law enforcement.

2)         Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be immediately reported to the Department of Public Health's Central Complaint Registry (1-800-252-4343).

b)         A facility employee, agent or volunteer who becomes aware of abuse or neglect of a child shall immediately report the matter to the DCFS hotline, and then to the DON or equivalent.  If the abuse or neglect is alleged to be a result of actions by an employee of the facility, the facility shall immediately remove the alleged perpetrator from direct contact with the children.

c)         Upon becoming aware of abuse or neglect, the DON or equivalent shall contact the local law enforcement authorities (e.g., telephoning 911 where available) and the Department, and shall confirm that DCFS was notified. The DON or equivalent shall, immediately after notifying law enforcement authorities and the Department, report the matter by telephone and in writing to the child's representative.

d)         The facility shall send, by registered mail, a written report within 24 hours after the completion of the investigation to the Supervisor of Central Office Operations, Division of Health Care Facilities and Programs, at the Illinois Department of Public Health, 525 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, Illinois 62761.  The facility shall keep a copy of the report on its premises for at least five years.

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 13925, effective October 25, 2021)