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New Illinois Law Deals With Elder Abuse Protection

Gov. Pat Quinn says he's signed a new law to better protect elderly Illinois residents and adults with disabilities.

Quinn signed legislation to create an adult protective services unit within the state Department on Aging. It will be responsible for investigating cases of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of older people and adults with disabilities.

The law also requires special training for caretakers and establishes a team to investigate suspicious deaths.

Quinn appointed a special investigator to propose reforms after the Belleville News Democrat reported that the state failed to investigate the deaths of 53 disabled adults who lived at home, despite calls to a state hotline alleging abuse or neglect.

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