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Report an Incident

Any University personnel with reasonable cause to believe that a minor known to them in the scope of their work for Northwestern may be neglected or abused by a parent, parent's romantic partner, immediate family member, other person residing in the child's home, or other person responsible for the child's welfare is required to immediately report the incident:

  1. If the incident is an emergency, contact Northwestern Police, at 847-491-3456 (Evanston), 312-503-3456 (Chicago), or dial 911 for local police.
  2. Report to Illinois DCFS at 1-800-25-ABUSE; if the suspected abuse or neglect is occurring outside of Illinois, contact both Illinois DCFS and the applicable state agency; and
  3. Notify the Office of Compliance at university.compliance@northwestern.edu 

Any doubt about reporting a case of suspected abuse or neglect should be resolved in favor of making an immediate report.

Illinois law protects the identity of mandated reporters and gives them immunity from liability for making good faith reports, although reporters may be obligated to testify if a case becomes subject to legal or judicial action.

Community members without an obligation to report who prefer to report anonymously may do so by utilizing EthicsPoint, the University's phone and web-based system for confidential reporting. 

For more information on reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, please review the Minors at Northwestern policy and Quick Reference Guide for Mandated Reporters.