by Daniel T. Zanoza
Statistics may vary, but many experts agree child abuse has reached epic proportions in America and, for that matter, worldwide. On the Internet, there are literally thousands of web sites devoted to child pornography. Drug addiction and substance abuse has contributed to a social disease which has made the most vulnerable in our society the targets of individuals who look at children as either possessions or valuable commodities rather than the precious future which they represent.
Thankfully, there are organizations like Catholic Charities which diligently work to place at risk children in loving foster care. And government, through organizations including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), has the daunting task to identify children who are in jeopardy regarding physical and emotional abuse.
As a former children's outreach worker in a southwest Chicago suburb, I personally witnessed the literal terror some young people live under every day. One of our organization's mission statements was to counsel children who were the victims of child abuse.
The federally-funded organization I worked for was frequently overwhelmed by a caseload which included stories about abused children which often broke my heart. We received the wreckage of bad parenting and neglect. I'm sure we never heard about the many cases of abuse that went unreported and, eventually, led to the emotional destruction, physical abuse and even death of children who left this world not knowing what a loving family was all about.
To help deal with child abuse, DCFS created a toll-free Child Abuse Hot Line, the purpose of which was to help Illinois residents report the mistreatment of children under confidentiality. The number 1-800-25-ABUSE [1-800-252-2873] literally receives thousands of phone calls each day. Each report of child abuse is taken by an intake worker who passes along the information to DCFS workers who decide whether or not to take action on a complaint.
One of the reasons the hot line worked was indeed because of confidentiality. For reasons too numerous to list here, those calling the hot line would not do so if they could not remain anonymous. People might be in fear of those abusing children or they simply may not want to get directly involved, but their conscience and the promise of anonymity permits them to do the right thing.
Earlier this year, I called the Child Abuse Hot Line regarding a possible case of neglect concerning a neighbor. I used a service provided by most Illinois phone companies which allows the caller to block his or her phone number, therefore, prohibiting those answering the call from identifying my personal information, i.e., name, phone number and address.
I was surprised when a DCFS caseworker told me to call back in a moment. I, again, used the blocking feature on my phone and called DCFS only to get the same response. It quickly became obvious to me the fact I was preventing DCFS from seeing my phone number was the reason why my call wasn't being taken by the agency. I reported the problem to the Department of Health in the County where I live and hoped my concerns regarding the children would be addressed through County services.
Months later, I noticed the same situation existed regarding the family which prompted me to call DCFS in the first place. However, upon blocking my number, this time I received a recording which told me my call, "could not be completed as dialed." I tried to call the DCFS hot line again, using the blocking apparatus, and I achieved the same results.
I suspected DCFS had purposely disabled the blocking device and I proved this fact with my next phone call to the hot line. When I dialed 1-800-25-ABUSE without blocking my number, an intake worker answered my call immediately.
Obviously, DCFS' policy regarding anyone trying to contact the agency under true anonymity had changed. What is reported to be a confidential abuse hot line is truly not confidential. Indeed this is contrary to what is stated on the DCFS web site which reads, "Members of the general public may make reports without giving their names." http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/FAQ/faq_faq_can.shtml
The consequences of this policy may be dire. There must be thousands of individuals, who, in an attempt to do what's right, give up on their efforts to report child abuse because of this policy which, in essence, requires the identification of callers. Subsequently, I contacted DCFS to obtain a policy statement on this problem regarding the true confidentiality of the toll-free hot line. A source for DCFS, who, ironically, preferred to remain anonymous, told me the agency prohibited a caller's ability to block their number when reporting abuse complaints because DCFS needs a contact number to follow-up on reports of child abuse.
I told the DCFS source this policy defeats the purpose of the confidential abuse line. Furthermore, I said instances where children suffered abuse most certainly went unreported in some cases. I don't know how many, and I shudder to think about it, but if one child continued to suffer or died because of this policy, DCFS needed to re-evaluate its thinking on the matter.
After further investigation, I found DCFS frequently received false reports of child abuse to their hot line. In fact, in some circumstances, neighbors or relatives would occasionally use 1-800-25-ABUSE to settle a score which had nothing to do with the abuse of children. I believe the latter explanation is the true reason why DCFS decided to change its policy regarding hot line confidentiality. But this decision, most certainly, has had--and will have--deadly consequences. The moral and philosophical question is: If ten phone calls to the DCFS child abuse hot line are not valid, but one call could save the life of one or more children, is the "no confidentiality" policy flawed?
There is a possible resolution to this problem. State legislators could introduce laws which would assign heavy penalties to those who intentionally file false charges of child abuse, including fines and possible jail time. I'm sure such sanctions would cut down on those who abuse such an important resource meant to fight child abuse.
In these days of high technology, I'm positive there are resources available that would drastically curtail those who misuse the child abuse hot line, while at the same time protect the confidentiality of those who report legitimate cases of child abuse or neglect.
Also, in these days of the Internet and advanced technology, DCFS discourages reports of child abuse via e-mail. According to a Public Service Announcement in the Belleville News-Democrat, posted Nov. 19, 2006, "e-mailing an allegation of child abuse may cause delays." [http://www.bnd.com/lethal_lapses/story/7828.html].
Of course, this claim is counter-intuitive. Every day, Americans are told to expedite matters by using the Internet. We are told to use the Internet in all sorts of dealings with the government--from the filling of tax reports to applications for Social Security benefits and other government-related services.
As it stands today, the confidential child abuse hot line is not confidential. The unknown is...how many children are suffering, have suffered, or are no longer alive because of this DCFS policy?
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my ex husband has filed six false dcfs reports all of which have been unfounded. We are going through a custody battle right now. I would like to know who i would contact to file charges of these false reports. please and thank you
Posted by: rachel | June 29, 2008 at 04:23 PM
my ex husband filed a dcfs report with success getting a founded report which I am fighting as he will use it against me in court down the line... What CCCP fun to be defending my innocence on anonymous charges with no right to appeal the verdict... ---- He's laughing all the way from the kids having a 100% attendance rating with me to a good 83% with him riding the wave of the indication to gain primary placement ---$3000! for the very good lawyer to defend the DCFS charge circus... but my innocence doesn't get that refunded!!! --- This is an addition to my lawyer defending me from my "former" abuser and the court appointed lawyer for the kids!!! ----- So if you want to leave your ex as he is abusive, beware of the IL DCFS siding with him. Makes for more DCFS hostage customers for them down the line. --- DCFS anonymous reports are wrong when allowed to be made by an ex in a highly disputed divorce. ---- So many problems with DCFS it needs funding cut a good 95%, especially if their workers can afford Starbucks & air conditioning as in my lynching trial today. --- Between Ipass & DCFS, skip IL altogether, my suggestion. Only a nuclear blast would rid the two of corruption as most people don't care, would rather report on their neighbor then ask if they need help and find the help.... gov't help is naturally corrupt.
Posted by: Erica | July 08, 2008 at 01:15 AM
DCFS is so out of control in Illinois!!! The power they have is so abusive. They come in take only half statements from witness, & don't do background checks, & don't compare characters of anyone. Tear apart a family & accuse grandmother of being a hazard to grandchildren because of a babysitter statement by which has crime issuses & is a major liar. Then no one will listen or can't defend ourselves against them... How Shameful! Protect our children, More like Protect the abuser & abuse the innocent; Should be PA/AI...
Posted by: Regina | August 23, 2008 at 11:28 AM
IL DCFS is prevented by law from accepting anonymous calls because they are required by the Child Protection Act to report their conclusions to the initial complainant once the investigation is completed. Anononymity is no more.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE: THE ABOVE COMMENT DOES NOT REFLECT THE POSITION EXPRESSED BY DCFS REGARDING THE ANONYMITY OF CALLERS REPORTING CHILD ABUSE IN ILLINOIS. THE DCFS WEB SITE CLAIMS ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND SO DOES WRITTEN MATERIAL DISTRIBUTED BY THE STATE AGENCY. UNDOUBTEDLY, CHILDREN HAVE SUFFERED BECAUSE OF THIS POLICY DUE TO THOSE WHO ARE HESITANT TO HAVE THEIR NAME ON FILE IN FEAR IT MAY BE LEAKED TO THE PUBLIC OR TO THE OFFENDERS THEMSELVES. DAN ZANOZA, RFFM.ORG
Posted by: DCFS Reformer | September 19, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I am the mother of MeLisa Cleary. She was murdered on June 6th, 2008 in Mackinaw, Il. Tazewell county DCFS has distroyed the kids since that day. I am trying to start a support group for unsolved crimes in Tazewell/Woodford County.
DCFS HAS TO BE STOPPED, THEY HAVE NO CHECKS AND BALANCES. THEY ARE NOTHING BUT DESTRUCTIVE. PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL WITH YOUR SPECIFIC CONCERNS RELATED TO DCFS AND TAZEWELL/WOODFORD COUNTY UNSOLVED OR MISHANDLED CRIMES AGAINST THE PUBLIC AND ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN. [email protected]
Posted by: Jean Cohoon | November 22, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Illinois DCFS are monsters on a power trip, cooperating with churches violating our rights as AMERICANS. Something needs to be done about their proceders, who they can and can't harass. And only remove children when they have undisputable evidence of abuse or neglect. not this 50.1% [XXdeletedXX], if we say it goes. DCFS is supposed to help families not destroy them. LET'S DO SOMETHING TOGETHER!!!!! email me with valuable information- [email protected]
Posted by: April | December 15, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Husband and father got in to fight, husband was arrested, 6 days later DCFS showed up, made my Dad move out, and wont let my husband come back or they will remove my kids, never has there been any DCFS allegations against me or hubby; my dad on the other hand has a long history with them, I even proved dad moved out. My kids need their father back, he has been on the streets since 12/28/08 sleeping on couches at different friends houses, me and hubby has never had any domestic problems between us or our kids, this was just a feud with my hubby & father! Please help me!
Posted by: Karen | January 06, 2009 at 11:21 PM
My children were removed from my care about 3 and a half months ago. SInce then my twin boys who are now 10 months old. My twins have been sick since they were taken. They are in foster care and one of them was just hospitalized due to his prolonged illness. My caseworker is a monster and is on a severe power trip. She is completely ignoring my concerns about this. I am afraid that my twins may become extremely ill before they will give them back to me. I have the GAL on my side, and the states attorney on my side to give my kids back. Hopefully this will end before my children get even worse off.
Posted by: Vanessa | February 07, 2009 at 12:51 AM
My neighbor in morgan county housing keeps calling dcfs on me and has in 3 other neighbors that I know of and other people when she gets mad at em for whatever reason. All my reports have been unfounded but Im tired of it, its really harassing and want it to stop. How do I file a false report? Whats the best way to go about this? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks
EDITOR'S NOTE to JENNIFER M: Of course, DCFS should be the first contact made by you regarding these false reports. I would point out that this neighbor uses THE DCFS hotline as a weapon. If that doesn't work, I would consider contacting the police and possibly filing a complaint, if this woman's charges are found to be erroneous. But, of course, the calls are supposedly "confidential". Has someone told you that they know the neighbor is making these phone calls?
Finally, many people overlook constituent service offered by legislators. I am always surprised how many people do not know that their state Senator or state Representative makes available help on issues like this and others. I would contact your state Representative first. If you don't know who it is, call your City Hall and they will provide you with the information. Get the phone numbers for both your state Rep. and state Senator.
I hope this is helpful. DCFS has enough real work to do and if they forced to investigate erroneous charges that takes away from the real cases which need attention.
Posted by: Jennifer M | March 11, 2009 at 03:50 PM
I filed a report hoping to remain anonymous and DCFS did not redact my name before giving it to the parents. I am the relative foster care giver for the children and it has caused my family to become estranged from me, and I would like to know what I can do.
Posted by: Theresa Graf | September 25, 2009 at 08:01 AM
NOTICE
Any person who knowingly transmits a false report to the Department commits the offense of disorderly conduct under subsection (a)(7) of Section 26-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961. A first violation of this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment for up to one year, or by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by both such term and fine. A second or subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony.
Posted by: Diane T | October 04, 2009 at 11:56 AM
"Trust me, I'm here to help you, I'm from the government." -c
Posted by: Charlie | December 08, 2009 at 01:13 PM
My husband's ex has reported me twice to DCFS for Child abuse all of which are unfounded.
Since my step-daughter was one year old, my husband and his ex were separated and since then she never taken care of the little girl and hasn't paid any child support.My husband and I started to take care of the little girl together since she was 3 year old. I am the one who cooks for her, takes her to school and arranges birthday party for her. She calls me mommy. I love her. But I am tired of the harassment from my husband's ex. I feel mad and unfair.
I know DCFS is trying to protect kids, but many people are using DCFS hotline as a weapon to against other people they hate by making false reporting. How can we prevent this? Should those people be punished? They are trying to destroy families and at the same time, they are wasting the taxpayers' money. The DCFS employees should spend their time on more meaningful things and help people who really need it.
As parents, what can we do to protect ourselves? My husband's ex is a miserable loser who doesn't want us to be happy. I want to point out,the parent who takes care of kids can easily become the victim of false reporting. The other parent who doesn't live with the kids, who doesn't pay any child support, and who doesn't take care of the kids can easily make the false reporting without paying any price. Is this fair?
We are thinking of taking legal actions. Maybe we will call police and file a complaint. Any legal help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by: lisa | December 29, 2009 at 10:45 PM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading about Child Custody. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often..
Posted by: Bala Cynwyd Divorce Lawyer | January 06, 2010 at 04:28 AM
I just would like some advice........ I don't know what to do or who to turn to, I have been witnessing now FOR SOME TIME, my brother get dragged threw the system, He got divorced six years ago ( not his choice) he was inlove and would have continued to be with this woman, but SHE divorced him so she could pursue a Stripping career, ever since them she has made his life hell...... she has called DCFS in Illinois and WI time after time after time and claimed he is abusive to his two children, and each time he has to come up with money for a lawyer to defend himself. Each time she does this, it does have effect on the children and they are being used as a pawn against thier father, its a sick game and its scary and she is getting away with it. My brother fights for his name to be cleared, FIGHTS to see his kids that he loves so much, and just when he thinks he stands a chance she CALLS DCFS with NEW CHARGES against him. my brother is being destroyed inside and he is stressed and cries alot, he is loosing his children because no one will help him. what is this teaching the children? what could they possibly think? is been going on SIX years! my brother is in debt, from all the lawyer fee's not to mention every time he gets a step ahead, she pulls another move and he has to start over, he won't give up fighting for his kids, he is a good dad and loves them and he is innocent of all her crazy accusations. MY GOODNESS isn't there any justice? doesn't anyone see what this crazy woman is putting her kids threw? THAN after that she makes false accusations again my parents ( the granparents) when will DCFS stop her madness? any help please................
Posted by: heavensdaughter | January 15, 2010 at 07:40 PM
I sent a mail to IL State registration office. I request that the report and all the identifying information be kept in the registration office for a long term(10 years I believe). Otherwise the report and the identifying information will be destroyed and it will be hard for us to locate the evidence in the future. I also called police and filed a harassment report.I was considering to request a temporary restrain order from the local court. Still not sure if I want to take it that far....
If you believe someone is trying to harass you, I think the first thing you need do is keeping the evidence. You have to write to the registration office within 10 days after the report is finalized by DCFS. I also called DCFS and told the staffs there that someone is trying to harass me and I am considering to take legal actions. The investigator from DCFS assigned a "possibly false report code" to my case and the person who made the report.
From now on, whenever this person is trying to harass me again, DCFS will take into consideration of her credibility. Also, all the evidence has been kept and it's easier for us to take legal actions if she tries to harass me again in the future.
Posted by: lisa | February 22, 2010 at 02:14 PM
I live in canton ohio I have 2 kids both of my kids are in foster care here in ohio my kids grandmother live in cook county il my kids grandmother had a home study done for placement for my 2 kids the workers in chicago il denied her of placement my case worker here in ohio want my kids to be put up for adoption / sale we have to stop cps & family court I dont know much about interstate compact I would like for anyone to contact me my e-mail is [email protected]
Posted by: kindness | August 10, 2010 at 05:12 PM
I am a mother of six kids and one being disabled. My husband and I have had three reports from DCFS that were found unfounded and we are working on another. All three reports were given by my husband's ex-wife and now this one we are currently fighting was given by my ex-husband's girlfriend's caseworker. Another caseworker for DCFS (in a different county) of whom I have never met but works with the girlfriend to help her regain custody of her son. This woman had lost custody of her son. My husband's ex-wife had lost custody of her three to my husband at the time when her reports were filed. Not to mention, one of the reports she filed, the incident happened in her care. How is this even possible? It's obvious these reports were filed out of spite and that the fact is I am currently having problems being harassed by my ex-husband's girlfriend and we were being harassed by my husband's ex-wife when hers were filed.
Then, to top it off, when our kids were pulled out of class to be questioned, the DCFS caseworker was asking questions about a report that was found unfounded. I had thought that when it's found unfounded, that that was it. I never once thought that we'd have it thrown in our faces again. DCFS in the state of Illinois is a joke. I do not understand how people who have lost custody of their kids with DCFS has the right to report on others? Especially, if they are not able to take the steps to keep their children in their own home. I argue the screening process and people's reports being confidential because the situation I am in. I think if you have the right to report to DCFS, people who are getting reported on should have the right to see who it is incase of a spiteful and vengeful ex. I think that if it still stays this way than more and more innocent people will get accused and in some cases wrongfully charged. Pitiful.
Posted by: Katina | February 10, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I have a DCFS story that will curl your hair like everyone on here is saying. I want to know what to do to fight their allegations, which were thrown out of court but yet kept my daughter and whats worse, gave her to her dad who has never been involved in her life. I cant afford a lawyer now to fight him and land of lincoln wont take my case.
Posted by: Traci Smith | March 15, 2011 at 03:00 PM
My 13yr old niece does not feel safe at home & is physically & verbally abused (never any bruises or marks.)Is it possible if DCFS was called that my niece could live with myself (sisterof her estranged father who is in prison somewhere!) my husband of 21yrs & my 5 yr ld daughter? I have plenty of room & a bedroom for her. And a whole lot of love for her!!!!
Posted by: R. Meyer | July 05, 2011 at 03:16 AM