Illinois Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) | Facebook
Illinois Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) | Facebook
Illinois is taking a stand against elder abuse in advancing a plan championed by Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).
The plan includes recommendations from the Elder Abuse Task Force and is intended to update state practices meant to protect senior residents of the state.
"Acting on recommendations from the Elder Abuse Task Force, my plan to update current laws aimed at protecting older residents passed the Senate," Crowe said in an April 29 Facebook post. "To face challenges surrounding abandonment, financial exploitation and isolation, we need comprehensive solutions that enact effective change for older Illinoisans. Senate Bill 701 moves to the House for further consideration."
Senate Bill 701 requires the Illinois Department on Aging to offer annual trauma-informed training for Adult Protective Services employees. It includes provisions to expand the Adult Protective Services Act to include reports of abandonment. The statute of limitations would also be expanded from three years to seven years in theft cases by deception involving victims over the age of 60.
Crowe and State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) created the Elder Abuse Task Force in 2019 to unite agency officials, elder abuse experts and law enforcement to suggest policy updates. The task force on Jan. 1 provided a 30-page report to the General Assembly about its recommendations.
Illinois residents who are experiencing neglect, abuse, or financial exploitation, or believe that someone they know may be a victim, are encouraged to call the statewide 24-hour Abuse Hotline at 866-800-1409 or visit the Department on Aging’s website.
Senate Bill 701 will now move to the House for consideration.
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