All foster caregivers are mandated reporters for children placed in their direct care and supervision ONLY. (See Section 8, page 32) Caregivers are not legally mandated to report suspected abuse or neglect of other children, but, as concerned citizens, should make a report.

The mandated reporters listed below must report ANY situation they become aware of where abuse or neglect of a child may be involved:

• medical personnel • school personnel
• social service/mental health personnel • child care personnel
• coroner/medical examiner personnel • law enforcement personnel

Ideally, the person, or mandated reporter, with the most knowledge of the suspected abuse or neglect should make the actual call to the DCFS Hotline. Section 8: pages 31-33 give a detailed explanation of the responsibilities of a mandated reporter, hotline criteria for taking a report, how an investigation works and foster parents’ rights if they are under investigation.