The Protecting Innocent Families Act represents the first step toward greater transparency and accountability in the use of medical evaluations during child abuse and neglect investigations. By amending the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and the Medical Patient Rights Act, the legislation strengthens family rights while promoting a more transparent process when medical opinions are used to inform government intervention.
Left to Right: Rachel Harris— FJRC Board President, Tara Crady— FJRC Board Treasurer, Representative Mary Beth Canty— Bill Sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford— Bill Sponsor, Michelle Weidner— FJRC Executive Director, Mary Broderick— Past FJRC Board Member
KEY PROVISIONS
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Professional Transparency in Medical Evaluations
For the first time, child abuse pediatricians and other medical professionals involved in a child’s evaluation will be required to disclose their profession, specialty, subspecialty, and forensic role in a medical evaluation.
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DCFS Disclosure of Forensic Consultation
The bill requires DCFS to tell parents when it is asking a child abuse pediatrician (CAP) or other doctor for an opinion about whether a child’s injury or condition may be the result of abuse or neglect. and to provide parents with the CAP’s written opinion.
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Right to an Independent Second Opinion
The bill requires DCFS to inform families that they may obtain an independent second medical or forensic opinion before an investigation is closed, and to consider that opinion as part of the evidence before making a final finding.
Bipartisan Proponent Organizations:
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ACLU Illinois
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Ascend Justice
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Cabrini Green Legal Aid
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Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences
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Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts
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Cook County Justice Advisory Council
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Family Justice Resource Center
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Greater West Town Community Development Project
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Holistic Birth Collective
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Homeschool Legal Defense Association
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National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter
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Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative
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Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
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Illinois Prison Project Action Fund
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The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
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Legal Action Chicago
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Office of Cook County Public Defender
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Parental Rights Association
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Roll Call Organization
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Shriver Center on Poverty Law
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She Votes Illinois
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Texas Public Policy