As of January 2023, Illinois' list of who is required to report child abuse and neglect has grown to include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers. These reporters join the list of other professionals required to report child abuse or neglect to help protect children from harm. Read on to learn more about how this change may affect you.
What Changed in Illinois’ Mandated Reporting Laws?
Effective January 1, 2023, Illinois has added new professions to The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA), a state law requiring certain professionals to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
Per SB 3833, occupational therapists and assistants, physical therapists and assistants, and athletic trainers are now mandated reporters in Illinois. A previous law, the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, made physical therapists and assistants mandated reporters, but ANCRA limited that role to include only specific practice settings.
SB 3833 amends ANCRA to align with the Illinois Physical Therapy Act and makes all physical therapists and assistants state mandated reporters.
This expansion includes groups of professionals who may be in a unique position to watch for potential child abuse due to their professions. All three jobs noted in SB 3833 –occupational therapists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers– have an opportunity to notice physical injuries that could potentially stem from abuse.
What is ANCRA?
The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) is a law in Illinois requiring certain professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect cases to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
The law applies to mandated reporters that include, among other professions:
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Police officers
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Athletic trainers
ANCRA requires these professionals to make a report to DCFS if they have reasonable cause to believe that a child may be suffering from abuse or neglect.
ANCRA also sets out specific guidelines for how and when a report should be made. For example, suspected abuse or neglect should be reported immediately and followed up by a written report within 48 hours. Knowingly and willfully violating reporting requirements may be considered a misdemeanor for a first violation and a felony for a second or subsequent violation.
What Should I Do if I’m a New Reporter?
If you’re now a mandated reporter in Illinois, it’s essential to seek the appropriate training to understand your duties in reporting abuse or neglect.
ANCRA requires all mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect to complete mandated reporter training, which includes a section on implicit bias. Mandated reporters must complete this training within three months of their date of engagement as a reporter. Athletic trainers must then retake that training every three years after that.
Medical professionals who work with children, including physical therapists/assistants and occupational therapists/assistants, must take this training at least every six years. If licensed, they must state on their licensure renewal that they understand they are a mandated reporter and the duties that entail.
Mandated reporters play an essential role in protecting children from harm. By working together, community members can help ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals in Illinois. Enter your state here to learn more about your duties as a mandated reporter in Illinois.
