Reporting and Investigating Abuse and Neglect in Illinois

An Informational Handbook from the Abuse Investigation Unit

Graphic rendering of the front and inside of the AIU's information handbook Understanding and navigating the investigatory system in Illinois that is designed to respond to the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities is often difficult and confusing. There is no central hotline to direct a complainant to the appropriate agency. While one can readily find publicly available and accessible information related to reporting abuse or neglect of children and seniors, information about where to report abuse or neglect of adults between 18 and 59 years old who have disabilities is scant.

Even more frustrating for those who call an inappropriate abuse hotline – one that does not cover the type or setting of the caller's incident – is the typical hotline staff's unfamiliarity with other investigatory agencies or their jurisdictions. The caller may not be directed to the right hotline to take the complaint. Sometimes, reporters are sent to multiple agencies before finding one that is authorized to take the complaint, causing frustration and invariably some instances where reporters simply give up.

The Reporting and Investigating Abuse and Neglect in Illinois handbook was developed by the Abuse Investigation Unit in an effort to identify provider settings and the corresponding state investigatory agencies responsible for investigating abuse and neglect in order to prevent the risk of multiple and often circular referrals. The handbook is made possible by funding support from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Illinois Department of Public Health and Human Services. The contents of the handbook are solely the responsibility of Equip for Equality. The handbook is available on Equip for Equality's website. For hardcopies of the handbook, contact the Abuse Investigation Unit at Equip for Equality's Chicago office.

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