summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that whenever the Department of Children and Family Services takes protective custody of a child following a report of suspected child abuse or neglect and a petition for temporary custody of the child is filed by the State's Attorney in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Child Protective Service Unit assigned to investigate the initial report shall continue and complete its investigation even if, after the temporary custody hearing, the Department is granted temporary custody of the child. Provides that the Unit's investigation shall not be closed solely because the court issues an order of temporary custody over the child to the Department; and that the court's decision to grant temporary custody of the child to the Department may not, under any circumstances, be considered by the Child Protective Service Unit when making its determination on whether the investigated report indicates abuse or neglect. Provides that a Child Protective Service Unit shall not end its investigation of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect until the Unit completes the investigation as prescribed under specified administrative rules and procedures. Contains provisions on final investigative summary requirements and oversight and compliance actions. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), specifically its Child Protective Service Unit, must fully complete its investigation into reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, even if the child is taken into protective custody and a court grants temporary custody to the DCFS. The bill clarifies that a court's decision to grant temporary custody does not automatically end the investigation or influence the determination of whether abuse or neglect occurred. The investigation must adhere to specific administrative rules and procedures, and a detailed written summary of the findings, including all evidence and reasoning, must be completed regardless of the child's custody status. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to disciplinary action for DCFS personnel. This change is intended to ensure thorough investigations and protect parental rights by preventing premature closure of cases based solely on emergency custody orders, and it will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/06/2026)
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