(MCT) — Amid reports of alleged hazing involving Maine West High School athletes, the state's child welfare agency has asked Cook County prosecutors to investigate whether any school employees failed in their duty to report possible child abuse or neglect.

The Department of Children and Family Services said allegations that district employees "knew of alleged abuse or neglect as early as 2007" have been referred to the state's attorney's office to see whether a violation of Illinois' Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act had occurred.