If you have contact with a child you suspect is being or may have been abused or neglected, you should call the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hotline and/or inform your local law enforcement agency.

 

The DCFS hotline phone number is 1-800-25ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).

 

Call the hotline if you have seen, been told about, or if you suspect abuse.  You do not have to have proof. You may make a report to the DCFS hotline without giving your name.

 

Provide the following information if possible:

• Child’s name

• Address

• Date of birth

• Phone number

• Information about brothers and sisters

• Parent or guardian names

• The name of the person you think is abusing the child

• Tell the hotline if you think it is an emergency

• Identify if you are a mandated reporter

• Document the name of the hotline worker and the date and time of your call

 

Children need adults to be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and they need adults who are willing to do something about it. Children need adults to help protect them. Call and report all abuse!