Section 230.43  Service Delivery Systems Responsibilities

a)         In relation to service delivery systems, the Department shall:

1)         Develop and administer the State Plan;

2)         Divide the State into planning and service areas;

3)         Designate area agencies in those planning and service areas for which the Department decides to have an area plan developed;

4)         Approve and monitor the administration of the area plans;

5)         Provide adequate and effective opportunities for older persons to express their views to the Department on policy development and program implementation under the plan;

6)         Give preference to older persons with the greatest economic or social need in the delivery of services under the State plan;

7)         Develop an intrastate funding formula;

8)         Evaluate the need for social and nutritional services in the State, and determine the extent to which other public and private programs meet the needs;

9)         Conduct periodic evaluation of activities and projects carried out under the State Plan, including at least annual on-site performance evaluations of each area agency;

10)         Develop and distribute a uniform plan format and guidance for area plans;

11)         Provide technical assistance to area agencies;

12)         Establish an advisory council on aging;

13)         Coordinate legal services for older persons in the State, give technical assistance, advice, and training in the provision of legal services to older persons, and make reasonable efforts to maintain existing levels of those services;

14)         Enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) State Distributing Agency;

15)         Provide administrative and hearing procedures;

16)         Ensure that all older persons in the State have reasonably convenient access to information and referral services; and

17)         Maintain a directory of community focal points in the State.

b)         The Department may:

1)         Conduct training and development programs for personnel involved in implementing this Part; and

2)         Enter into contracts to carry out demonstration projects of statewide significance relating to the initiation, expansion, or improvement of services provided under this Part.

(Source:  Amended at 10 Ill. Reg. 5787, effective March 27, 1986)