Child Protection

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is responsible for protecting children by investigating complaints of suspected abuse or neglect.

In addition to these duties, DCFS maintains and provides information on day care providers, mandated reporters, adoption, and more.

Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873 or TTY 1-800-358-5117) if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect. If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first.

​Your confidential call will not only make sure the child is safe, but also help provide the child’s family the services they need to provide a safe, loving and nurturing home.

​For more information on DCFS and the services they provide, visit their website at www.illinois.gov/dcfs