Stuart-Backed Measure to Increase Reporting in Child Abuse Cases Signed by Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To increase reporting and accountability within the Department of Family and Child Services (DCFS), state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, recently supported a measure to overhaul the reporting and notification procedures for suspected child abuse cases.

“Children deserve safe home situations, so it is critical that DCFS does their due diligence when investigating suspected instances of child abuse or neglect,” said Stuart. “We have all heard heartbreaking stories on the news recently of children slipping through the cracks and remaining in harmful or unsafe home conditions. This legislation addresses that issue by increasing communication between DCFS, DPH and HFS.”

Stuart supported House Bill 831, which will require DCFS to report to the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Health and Family Services (HFS) within 10 days of completing an investigation of allegations of child abuse and neglect. The measure was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“The southern portion of Illinois, which has incredibly high rates of poverty and drug abuse, also has inflated rates of child abuse,” continued Stuart. “I applaud the governor for signing this legislation into law, ensuring that more will be done to help protect children throughout our state.”