Illinois
Child Abuse and Neglect
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

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To better understand this issue and to view it across States, see the Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect: Summary of State Laws (PDF - 633 KB) publication.

Professionals Required to Report
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/4; Ch. 720, § 5/11-20.2

The following persons are required to report:
• Physicians, residents, interns, hospital administrators and personnel, surgeons, dentists, dental hygienists, osteopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists, physician assistants, or substance abuse treatment personnel
• Funeral home directors or employees, coroners, or medical examiners
• Emergency medical technicians, acupuncturists, or crisis line or hotline personnel
• School administrators and school employees, educational advocates, or truant officers
• Members of a school board or the Chicago Board of Education
• Members of the governing body of a private school
• Social workers, social services administrators, or domestic violence program personnel
• Nurses, genetic counselors, respiratory care practitioners, advanced practice nurses, home health aides, directors or staff assistants of nursery schools or child care centers, or recreational program or facility personnel
• Law enforcement officers or probation officers
• Licensed professional counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists
• Field personnel of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Juvenile Justice, Public Health, Human Services, Corrections, Human Rights, or Children and Family Services
Supervisors and administrators of general assistance under the Illinois Public Aid Code
• Foster parents, homemakers, or child care workers
• Members of the clergy
• Commercial film and photographic print processors

Reporting by Other Persons
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/4

Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is abused or neglected may report.

Standards for Making a Report
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/4; Ch. 720, § 5/11-20.2

A report is required when:
• A reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child known to him or her in his or her professional capacity may be abused or neglected.
• Commercial film and photographic print processors have knowledge of or observe any film, photograph, videotape, negative, or slide that depicts a child engaged in any sexual conduct.

Privileged Communications
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/4; Ch. 735, § 5/8-803

• The privileged quality of communication between any professional person required to report and his or her patient or client shall not apply to situations involving abused or neglected children and shall not constitute grounds for failure to report.
• A member of the clergy shall not be compelled to disclose a confession or admission made to him or her as part of the discipline of the religion.

Inclusion of Reporter's Name in Report
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/7.9

The report shall include the name, occupation, and contact information of the person making the report.

Disclosure of Reporter Identity
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/11.1a

Any disclosure of information shall not identify the person making the report.