Call only when you think a child has been or will be injured as described above. In some cases you may wish to call the police or talk to the child's parents or relatives. Domestic situations where family stress is evident, but the child has not been abused or at risk of abuse. Community service agencies are often available to help. Hotline staff are social workers with special training in determining what constitutes child abuse and neglect under Illinois law.
Details are important.
The nature or the suspected abuse or neglect, including when and where it occurred. Any other information you think may help. When you call, a Hotline social worker will listen to what you wish to report. The worker will then ask questions to help gather enough information to determine whether to take a formal report, the worker will tell you so and answer any questions you may have. If a formal report is taken, a child protection investigator will begin the investigation within 24 hours much sooner if the child is considered in immediate risk of harm.