HB 4975

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that whenever the Department of Children and Family Services takes protective custody of a child following a report of suspected child abuse or neglect and a petition for temporary custody of the child is filed by the State's Attorney in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Child Protective Service Unit assigned to investigate the initial report shall continue and complete its investigation even if, after the temporary custody hearing, the Department is granted temporary custody of the child. Provides that the Unit's investigation shall not be closed solely because the court issues an order of temporary custody over the child to the Department; and that the court's decision to grant temporary custody of the child to the Department may not, under any circumstances, be considered by the Child Protective Service Unit when making its determination on whether the investigated report indicates abuse or neglect. Provides that a Child Protective Service Unit shall not end its investigation of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect until the Unit completes the investigation as prescribed under specified administrative rules and procedures. Contains provisions on final investigative summary requirements and oversight and compliance actions. Effective January 1, 2027.