HB3394 Summary

• Establishes a "differential response program" allowing the Department of Children and Family Services to conduct either a family assessment or investigation based on the severity of child abuse/neglect reports, beginning January 1, 2010 and becoming permanent on July 1, 2016.

• Requires the Department to conduct investigations for reports involving substantial child abuse or neglect and immediately convert family assessments to investigations if substantial endangerment is discovered at any time.

• Cases determined to receive family assessments are not reported to the central register of abuse and neglect reports, and the Department must determine if services are needed to address child safety and prevent future maltreatment.

• Mandates that the Department send final investigation findings to school district superintendents when reports involve school employees, but the Department may only recommend (not require) removal of school employees pending investigation outcomes.

• Requires the Department to notify employers and religious institutions in writing when investigations of employees or clergy result in unfounded reports so records can be expunged.