Office is Sought To Protect Elderly

By William Presecky of the Chicago Tribune bpresecky@tribune.com

Kane County State's Atty. John Barsanti said Tuesday he wants a fully funded advocacy center dedicated to elder abuse and exploitation.

Barsanti said he wants the ellder abuse office to operate like the county's child advocacy center, which is funded by the County Board.

"I see so many parallels between the two. It seems we are somewhat underreacting to the [needs of the] elderly," Barsanti said Tuesday during a monthly briefing in St. Charles.Barsanti said he envisions the county office center coordinated with the state agency that investigates elder abuse.

Barsanti said he would want an experienced investigator to lead the unit, but without additional money, he is looking for that person in-house.