Section 51.10  Purpose of Project

The Office of Inspector General is responsible for establishing the Adults with Disabilities Abuse Project for adults with disabilities who are reported to have been abused, neglected or exploited.  The purposes of this project are to:

a)         prevent, reduce and eliminate abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disabilities;

b)         recognize abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disabilities as a serious problem which takes on many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to facilitate accessibility of services and remedies to provide immediate and effective assistance and protection;

c)         provide for the reporting and assessment of alleged and suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disabilities;

d)         refer abused, neglected or exploited adults with disabilities to appropriate State and private agencies for emergency services, protection services, and other assistance necessary to prevent further harm;

e)         encourage and support the efforts of law enforcement officers to provide immediate, effective assistance and protection to adults with disabilities who are abused, neglected or exploited; and

f)          collect information on the incidence of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disabilities and other data to aid in the establishment, coordination, and provision of adequate services to adults with disabilities in a timely, appropriate manner. [20 ILCS 2435/10]