National Citizens Review Panels Virtual Community

State:                    Illinois
Contact Person:   Dr. Cheryl Peterson
Contact Address: 100 W. Randolph St., 6-200, Chicago, IL 60601-3249
Contact Phone:     312-814-6861
Email:                   Cheryl.Peterson@illinois.gov
URL:                   www.state.il.us/DCFS/library/index.shtml
Founded In:         June, 1999
Funding:              The Illinois Dept. of Children and Family Services receives CAPTA funds. The Department provides a coordinator for each Citizen Review Panel and reimburses travel expenses for members.

Illinois has 3 panels with statewide representation.

The CRP panels have reviewed DCFS Procedures 300, Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect, which delineates investigative procedures for child abuse and neglect allegations accepted by the Hotline. Recommendations have been made with regard to training and notification of mandated reporters, Hotline staffing and response time, assessment of domestic violence as a risk factor for children, need for more coordinated investigations utilizing Children’s Advocacy Centers, use of forensic interviewing methods, access to specialized medical and mental health providers during the investigation, increased coordination of investigations across state boundaries.