Family & Safety
Child abuse or neglect
Abuse or neglect of children can take many forms. There are legal protections and support for victims and their care givers. Learn more with our resources.
Learn your rights (3 resources)
Explains the formal investigation process by Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Guide
Explains who is eligible to ask for an Order of Protection. Also includes what they can ask a judge to include in it. This is also called a "restraining order."
Guide
Explains the different forms of domestic violence and who can be affected by it.
Guide
Forms (2 resources)
A program to help you ask the court to order someone to stop harming or threatening you or other household members.
Easy Form
A program to help you ask the court to order someone to stop harming or threatening you or other household members. Email your forms to the court. For use only in Cook County.
Easy Form
Other resources for the public (15 resources)
Explains the formal investigation process by Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Guide
Describes how to get your children back and knowing your goals if your DCFS case goes to juvenile court.
Text article
Explains what a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is. Includes when they are appointed, how to interact with them, and how they’re different from other guardians.
Text article
Describes what to expect if you are indicated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Text article
Lawyer resources (9 resources)
Gives information about situations involving abuse, neglect, or dependency.
Lawyer Manuals
Gives information about the types of relief available for abused, neglected, or dependent children.
Lawyer Manuals
Gives information about the Illinois Parentage Act, and the parent-child relationship.
Lawyer Manuals
Gives information about minor emancipation, and situations where authoritative intervention is required.
Lawyer Manuals