When APS mounts an investigation into alleged abuse of an elderly person, information is obtained from numerous sources, and a substantiation or nonsubstantiation of abuse is determined. Once this occurs, the APS investigation process begins, and this process include risk assessment. Risk assessment protocols can be used to aid both victims and their abusers. One risk assessment protocol that was developed in Florida is used in Illinois to track the level of risk of victims within the State's APS system. The assessment of risk was differentiated from the determination of substantiation and the documentation of specific signs and symptoms of elder abuse. The illinois protocol includes 23 factors, along with definitions of the high-risk score for each factor. The illinois protocol has both clinical and managerial value. The protocol helps clinicians guide investigations, generate care plans, track progress, and identify areas for further intervention. The value of the protocol for APS program managers is in guiding decisionmaking regarding allocation of resources, program development, and training needs. Health care professionals must also understand their role in assisting APS case workers. The authors propose that more State agencies consider instituting standard procedures for measuring and reporting the risk levels of victims. 5 references and appended Illinois risk assessment protocol