IL HB4539

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act to set a minimum age of 14 for individuals who can be considered perpetrators of child abuse, excluding parents and parents' paramours who have no age restriction.

Expands the definition of "abused child" to specify three categories of potential perpetrators: a parent, a parent's paramour, or any other person 14 years of age or older who is responsible for the child's welfare, is an immediate family member, or resides in the same home.

Requires DCFS, when declining to investigate solely because the alleged perpetrator is a household member under age 14, to evaluate whether an adult or agency showed "blatant disregard" that resulted in the maltreatment.

Directs DCFS to accept and investigate abuse or neglect reports naming the responsible adult or agency as the perpetrator when blatant disregard is suspected, and permits the Department to consider child welfare service referrals.