The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ hotline is often referred to as the agency’s front door because it’s the primary way abuse and neglect can be reported, after which kids and families can receive services. 

In recent years, the volume of calls coming into DCFS’ hotline — 800-25-ABUSE — has risen precipitously, and hotline staffers have not been able to keep up with the increase in calls. A May audit from Auditor General Frank Mautino’s office found that timeliness for completing investigations declined significantly between 2015 and 2017, both the focus of the biennial audit and the timeframe in which the state went without an operating budget for two years.