HB 4539

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", changes the list of persons who may be considered a perpetrator of abuse to include a child's parent, a parent's paramour, or any other person 14 years of age or older who is either responsible for the child's welfare, is an immediate family member, or resides in the same home as the child. Provides that, if the Department of Children and Family Services does not accept an abuse or neglect report for investigation on the sole basis that the alleged perpetrator is another person in the household under the age of 14, then the Department shall consider if there is reasonable cause to suspect that the alleged maltreatment is the result of blatant disregard on the part of an adult or agency who is an eligible perpetrator. Provides that, if so, the Department shall accept a report alleging abuse or neglect identifying the adult or agency as the alleged perpetrator. Permits the Department to also consider whether a child welfare service referral would be appropriate.