Section 270.245  Access to Eligible Adults

a)         The designated provider agencies shall have access to eligible adults who have been reported or found to be victims of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation in order to assess the validity of the report, assess other needs of the eligible adult, and provide services in accordance with the Act. [320 ILCS 20/13(a)]

b)         When the caseworker is unable to access the alleged victim due to interference by another, the caseworker shall seek the assistance of law enforcement.  If the report is a "priority one", the elder abuse caseworker shall immediately seek police assistance in accessing the alleged victim.  If the report is a "priority two" or a "priority three", then the elder abuse caseworker will make at least one additional attempt, and up to four additional attempts, to gain access to the residence prior to seeking police assistance.

c)         Where access to an eligible adult is denied, the Office of the Attorney General, the Department, or the provider agency may petition the court for an order to require appropriate access where:

1)         a caregiver or third party has interfered with the assessment or service plan, or

2)         the agency has reason to believe that the eligible adult is denying access because of coercion, extortion, or justifiable fear of future abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. [320 ILCS 20/13(b)]

d)         If the initial face-to-face visit indicates that the alleged victim does not meet the age criterion for the program, the elder abuse provider agency will terminate the assessment, document this finding in the case record, and refer the person to other appropriate services or agencies.

(Source:  Expedited correction at 26 Ill. Reg. 8482, effective March 15, 2002)