Illinois Compiled Statutes
325 ILCS 5/2 (2026)
(a) The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services shall, upon receiving reports made under this Act, protect the health, safety, and best interests of the child in all situations in which the child is vulnerable to child abuse or neglect, offer protective services in order to prevent any further harm to the child and to other children in the same environment or family, stabilize the home environment, and preserve family life whenever possible
✓ current as of May 2026
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(325 ILCS 5/2)
(from Ch. 23, par. 2052)
Sec. 2.
(a) The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
shall, upon receiving reports made under this Act, protect the health,
safety, and best
interests of the child in all situations in which the child is vulnerable to
child abuse or neglect, offer protective services in order to prevent
any further harm to the child and to other children in the same
environment or family, stabilize the home environment,
and preserve family life whenever possible. Recognizing that children also can
be abused and neglected
while living in public or private residential agencies or institutions
meant to serve them, while attending day care centers, schools, or
religious activities, or
when in contact with adults who are responsible for the welfare of the
child at that time,
this Act also provides for the reporting and investigation
of child abuse and neglect in such instances. In performing any of these
duties, the Department may utilize such protective services of voluntary
agencies as are available.
(b) The Department shall be responsible for receiving and investigating reports of adult resident abuse or neglect under the provisions of this Act. (Source: P.A. 96-1446, eff. 8-20-10.)
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 18
cases (4 in the last 5 years), 1994–2026 · leading case: Doe v. North Cent. Behavioral Health Sys. Inc., 816 N.E.2d 4 (Ill. App. Ct. 2004).
Doe v. North Cent. Behavioral Health Sys. Inc., 816 N.E.2d 4 (Ill. App. Ct. 2004). “It is not as clear whether a private remedy is consistent with the underlying purpose of the statute as a whole.”
In Re Lawrence M., 670 N.E.2d 710 (Ill. 1996). “2d 1345 ; see also 325 ILCS 5/2; 20 ILCS 505/5(a)(3)(C), (a)(3)(D); 705 ILCS 405/2-10(2), (9)(d) (West 1994).”
In re J.C., 2012 IL App (4th) 110861 (Ill. App. Ct. 2012). “325 ILCS 5/2 (West 2010). All reports of suspected child abuse or neglect must be made to the central register established by DCFS under the Reporting Act or to the nearest DCFS office.”
Julie Q. v. Dep't of Child. & Fam. Servs., 2011 IL App (2d) 100643 (Ill. App. Ct. 2011). “See 325 ILCS 5/2 (West 2008). For all these reasons, I strongly disagree with the majority’s ruling that allegation No.”
Varela v. St. Elizabeth's Hosp. of Chicago, Inc., 867 N.E.2d 1 (Ill. App. Ct. 2006). “2d at 7 , quoting 325 ILCS 5/2 (West 2002). The court pointed out, “[njowhere is it either explicitly stated or implied that a purpose of the Reporting Act is to provide children or families with compensation for *** abuse or a failure to report abuse.”
People v. Bons, 2021 IL App (3d) 180464 (Ill. App. Ct. 2021). “See 325 ILCS 5/2(a) (West 2016). Mandated reporters, including medical professionals, are required to report observations and medical diagnosis, which trigger a report under the Act.”
In Re Lawrence M., 645 N.E.2d 1069 (Ill. App. Ct. 1995). “” (325 ILCS 5/2 (West 1992).) DCFS has a duty to provide family preservation services which are defined as "services to prevent the placement of children in substitute care, to reunite them with their families if so placed and if reunification is an appropriate goal.”
Julie Q. v. Dep't of Fam. Servs., 963 N.E.2d 401 (Ill. App. Ct. 2011). “See 325 ILCS 5/2 (West 2008). An example of this type of harm was presented in the instant case.”
Doe v. Dep't of Child. & Fam. Servs., 639 N.E.2d 149 (Ill. App. Ct. 1994). “2052 (now 325 ILCS 5/2 (West 1992)).) Under AN-CRA, the intentional touching or fondling of any part of the body of a child under 18 years of age constitutes "sexual conduct” and, therefore, child abuse.”
In re W.N.K., 2025 IL App (1st) 242008 (Ill. App. Ct. 2025). “325 ILCS 5/2, 8.2 (West 2024). Here, consistent with that provision, and reading it together with article II of the Juvenile Court Act, on learning that the minor had been born into respondent’s home subject to domestic violence, DCFS ordered that respondent engage in therapy.”
In re M.L., 2023 IL App (3d) 210375-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2023). “” 325 ILCS 5/2 (West 2020). Section 2(a) of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act mandates that DCFS “shall, upon receiving reports made under this Act, protect the health, safety, and best interests of the child in all situations in which the child is vulnerable to child…”
In Re Jc, 966 N.E.2d 453 (Ill. App. Ct. 2012). “325 ILCS 5/2 (West 2010). All reports of suspected child abuse or neglect must be made to the central register established by DCFS under the Reporting Act or to the nearest DCFS office.”
— 325 ILCS 5/2(a) — 3 cases
People v. Bons, 2021 IL App (3d) 180464 (Ill. App. Ct. 2021). “See 325 ILCS 5/2(a) (West 2016). Mandated reporters, including medical professionals, are required to report observations and medical diagnosis, which trigger a report under the Act.”
In re M.L., 2023 IL App (3d) 210375-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2023). “” 325 ILCS 5/2 (West 2020). Section 2(a) of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act mandates that DCFS “shall, upon receiving reports made under this Act, protect the health, safety, and best interests of the child in all situations in which the child is vulnerable to child…”
People v. Acosta, 2026 IL App (2d) 240364 (Ill. App. Ct. 2026).
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