A report of suspected child abuse or neglect is not an accusation. It is the link to services for families who would not voluntarily seek the help they may desperately need. When an incident of suspected child abuse and/or neglect is reported, “taking action” is mandated by law and State Policy.
Section 5-706 mandates that, promptly after receiving a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, the local department must make a thorough investigation to protect the welfare of the child or children. (In cases of suspected abuse, the local department of social services or the law enforcement agency or both, if jointly agreed on, must investigate.
The investigation must include:
- the nature, extent and cause of the neglect or abuse;
- the identity of the individual(s) responsible for the neglect or abuse; and
- the name, age and condition of every other child in the household
- any other pertinent information.
