The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) handles reports of child abuse and neglect. If you've been "indicated" for child abuse or neglect, it means DCFS thinks there was enough evidence to show that a child was abused or neglected.

An indicated finding is separate from a finding in any juvenile or criminal court proceeding. 

If you received notice of an indicated finding of child abuse or neglect, you have the right to:

• A copy of the investigative file,
• An ("expungement") appeal hearing, and
• Judicial review of the  appeal hearing.

If you are indicated, DCFS will keep your name in a database called the State Central Register (SCR). Your name can stay in this database for 5, 20, or 50 years depending on what you've been indicated for.

Some reports may become "unfounded." This means that after investigating, DCFS found no evidence of child abuse or neglect. Unfounded reports may be kept by DCFS for only 3 years. But they are not listed on the SCR. An indicated finding may be kept in the SCR for 5 years or more.

Unfounded reports may be disclosed to:

• State's attorneys for prosecution of the reporter of false reporting, 
• State’s attorneys if there is a report against or for anyone living in the same house as the alleged abused child,
• Attorneys involved in the child abuse case, and
• Guardians ad litem.

The SCR can’t be seen by the public. But some employers can see your SCR record. For example, an employer may see your SCR record if you apply for a job working with children or people with disabilities. If you are in the SCR, you may not be able to get a job in these fields. If you already have a job in one of these areas, you may get fired after your name is reported in the SCR.

Indicated reports can also be used against you in any future claims of child abuse or neglect. If you appeal and win, your reports can also be erased ("expunged") from the register.