STATE’S ATTORNEY BIRKETT PROPOSES ELDER ABUSE TASK FORCE

New Task Force Will Review Suspicious Deaths of The Elderly

WHEATON – In a letter addressed to the Illinois Department of Aging Director Charles D. Johnson, DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett today proposed the establishment of an Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team for DuPage County.  The recent fatality of an elderly woman at a DuPage County nursing home and similar cases highlight the need for such a task force.  Effective June 1 of last year the “Elder Abuse and Neglect Act” allows for the creation of such centers throughout the state.

            In his proposal, Birkett suggests the creation of a team of professionals that will work with local agencies in identifying and reviewing suspicious deaths of persons over the age of sixty years old.  The team would consist of the DuPage County State’s Attorney, the DuPage County Sheriff, the DuPage County Coroner, a representative from the DuPage County Senior Services Division of the Department of Human Services, a representative from the Police Chiefs Association and representatives from the Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Association or a similar group.

            “Since taking office in 1996, I have made the investigation and prosecution of elder abuse a top priority of my office,” commented Birkett.  “I believe that the creation of a group of professionals specializing in suspicious senior fatalities will be instrumental in developing strategies focused on the prevention and investigation of elder abuse as well as obtaining justice for the victims.” 

            Birkett’s proposal further allows for any information and data gathered by the task force to be forwarded to the Illinois Department on Aging for the benefit of persons throughout Illinois.

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