DCFS Tips Come on Heels of Abuse Arrest

On July 28, was arrested and charged with sexual assault and abuse of a juvenile. Over the past year, 672 children in Cook County were reportedly sexually abused, according to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). 

(Earlier: 

Patch spoke to Kendall Marlowe, the deputy director of communications at DCFS, about what people can do if they suspect a child is being sexually abused. 

What are the warning signs that a child may be sexually abused? 

According to the websites of Prevent Child Abuse America and Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, specific indicators of sexual abuse include sudden changes in a child's behavior, such as emotional withdrawal, difficulty concentrating and negative school performance. 

Marlowe said that one of the fundamental things parents and caregivers can do, besides looking out for warning signs, was simply listen to their child.

"You will know something traumatizing has happened, whether it's sexual or otherwise," he said. "If they tell you there is a problem, or there are people they are uncomfortable or afraid to be around, listen. Truly listen."

Do perpetrators follow a certain pattern, including their relationship with the victim?

According to DCFS statistics from 2010, nearly 28 percent of perpetrators were paramours of one of the child's parents. 

"If you are a parent entering a new relationship, know that the boyfriend or girlfriend can be a positive or negative thing in your child's life," Marlowe said. 

Parents and caregivers must remember that the people they choose to associate with directly affects a child's safety. In addition to choosing romantic relationships and friends wisely, parents must also be careful about who acts as a babysitter.

What should I do if I suspect abuse?

For all suspected instances of child abuse and neglect, call DCFS's 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE to file a confidential report with a social worker. If outside of the state, call 217-524-2606. 

In fact, all child protection investigations in Illinois begin with a hot line report, Marlowe noted.

After listening to the information provided, the hot line social worker will ask questions and determine whether there is sufficient information to file a formal report.

According to Marlowe, the information given to DCFS should be as detailed as possible.

"Within that call then there has to be specific and actionable information in order for us to initiate an investigation," he explained.

It is also recommended that the person filing the report consider calling the police, especially in the case of an emergency or if there has been an injury.

Will my name be protected if I report to DCFS?

A report may be made anonymously with DCFS. 

Under criminal and civil law, people who report suspected instances of child abuse cannot be held liable for damages. Unless requested by a hearing officer or judge, the name of the person who made the report will not be provided to the alleged abuser. 

What are mandated reporters? 

Mandated reporters are people in certain professions who are required by state law to report to DCFS if they suspect child abuse or neglect. These professions include medical personnel, school and child care personnel, state agency workers and social workers. 

In addition to making a report, mandated reporters must file a written confirmation to DCFS within 48 hours. For mandated reporters, failure to report a suspected child abuse or neglect situation to DCFS is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. 

What happens after I make a report to DCFS?

If there is enough specific and actionable information for the hot line social worker to file a formal report, a child protection investigator will begin a 60-day investigation within 24 hours. If the child is in immediate risk, the investigation will begin much sooner.

A child protection investigation does two things, said Marlowe. It determines whether a child abuse allegation is substantiated or unfounded. If there is credible evidence of abuse, the investigation will then determine what actions are necessary to protect the child.

The best-case scenario, Marlowe said, is that a relative will either move into the home or allow the child to stay with him or her temporarily.

"Even in the case of temporary custody, we will seek to place children in the care of relatives," Marlowe said. "Children are less traumatized and better protected when they remain in the care of a family member."

What if I'm wrong about my suspicions, or I'm afraid of the emotional aftermath?

Feeling hesitant about filing a report is common, Marlowe noted. However society has made great strides in the prevention of child sexual abuse and must continue to ensure the safety of children, he said.

"Society as a whole has decided we are not going to tolerate child sex abuse, and you need to honor that commitment," DCFS official said. "It's easier to sleep at night when you've made the call then to go to bed wondering if you should have."

Marlowe also says that if an allegation is unfounded, it will come out in the course of the investigation. It's better to be safe than sorry, he explained.

What can my community do to prevent child sexual abuse from happening?

Although child sexual abuse was trending downward, Marlowe said further improvements could only be made if people reported their suspicions. In fact, the biggest reason for improvement may be greater public awareness. 

"It was not too long ago that these kinds of situations were seen as a family matter and not something that the general public should intervene in," Marlowe said, referring to the fact that DCFS was created less than 50 years ago.

Since then, reporting suspected cases of child sexual abuse no longer carries a stigma and has aided in the decline of substantiated incidents, Marlowe said. That's why it is important to have the confidence to call the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline whenever there is suspicion, he added.

Stay tuned to Patch for more on the Rottman story.