HB 5178

Abstract

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In provisions concerning mandated reporter training, requires mandated reporters to complete training that includes a section on the consequences and results of hotline calls and investigations conducted by the Department of Children and Family Services. Provides that the section on the consequences and results of hotline calls and Department investigations shall be in-person or web-based, and shall include, at a minimum, information on the following topics: (i) the procedural process after a hotline call is made; (ii) actions the Department is authorized to take during the investigative process; (iii) data from the last 5 annual Disproportionality and Disparity reports, published by the Children and Family Research Center, that detail the racial disproportionality present at each key decision point of system involvement; (iv) the trauma caused to children and families by family separation, even for 48 hours or less; and (v) how records of indicated, unfounded, and undetermined investigations are retained and used by the Department and other public entities. Provides that the section on the consequences and results of hotline calls and Department investigations, shall be provided through the Department, through a licensed entity authorized to provide continuing education for professionals. Provides that beginning January 1, 2023, any additions or updates to the mandated reporting training shall be reflected in all manuals or guides for mandated reporters about their duty to report.