DCFS-DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE PGM

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2015 (rather January 1, 2010), the Department of Children and Family Services shall (rather than may) implement a 3-year (rather than a 5-year) demonstration of a "differential response program" in accordance with criteria, standards, and procedures prescribed by rule. Provides that the program shall (rather than may) provide that, upon receiving a report, the Department shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for child abuse or neglect. In a provision concerning an independent evaluation of the differential response program, requires (i) the independent evaluator to collect appropriate data about the differential response program and (ii) the Department to provide annual reports and a final report to the General Assembly and to the Governor regarding the differential response program. Requires the Department to adopt any necessary administrative rules for the execution of certain provisions. Provides that the differential response program shall become a permanent program on January 1, 2018 (rather than on January 1, 2015), upon completion of the demonstration project period. Effective immediately.