SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) joined State Representatives Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore), Patrick Sheehan (R-Homer Glen), and Brad Fritts (R-Dixon) to discuss the failures and mismanagement at several Illinois agencies. Agencies under Governor J.B. Pritzker’s leadership have been riddled with controversy among reports of abuse, neglect, and improper procedures.
Rep. Charlie Meier, who has been a staunch advocate for people with developmental disabilities since taking office, focused on the disasters that have happened at the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Meier pointed to several reported incidents of abuse at Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), that are not properly reported or investigated.
“Without DHS acknowledging their lack of oversight and the tragic abuse that happens at CILAs and SODCs as a result of their negligence, these tragedies of abuse will continue to be allowed to occur with no responses,” Meier said. “I am glad to help fight abuse anywhere, and it should all be stopped. It seems strange that we don’t follow up on our small CILAs.”
Meier pointed out that there are significant backlogs in investigating abuse at State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) and CILAs due to bureaucratic delays. Rep. Meier also highlighted a recent audit by the Auditor General, which revealed that many CILA agencies failed to report emergency incidents properly, with DHS unable to determine what constitutes an “emergency.” This lack of accountability, he stressed, allows problems to go unchecked.
“It’s common sense that if a facility receives a high number of emergency calls, it should be flagged and reviewed immediately,” said Rep. Meier. “But far too often, nothing is done.”
Rep. Meier urged DHS to take immediate action to ensure that those responsible for the care of individuals with disabilities are held accountable.
“We must focus on what is best for the residents of CILAs and SODCs, not the interests of the state or organizations who have vested interests that do not focus on individual needs. The people we serve deserve better,” said Rep. Meier.
State Representative Charlie Meier represents the 109th District which includes portions of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, and Washington counties. For more information, please visit CharlieMeier.net or contact Rep. Meier’s district office at 618-651-0405
Watch the press conference here.
