Helping DCFS investigate child abuse

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) would be allowed to access certain prescription drug records of families with children in custody, under legislation passed by the Senate April 26. The goal is a more thorough investigation into cases of child abuse and neglect especially when opioid use and abuse could be a factor.

With the rise of opioid use in the state, Senate Bill 892 would help DCFS when investigating cases by allowing select DCFS employees to access the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database. The PMP collects information on controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in Illinois and would be used as another tool when child abuse and child neglect investigations are performed.

The legislation now moves to the House for consideration.

Chapin Rose

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