Culture of Cruelty
Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker launch the "Culture of Cruelty" investigation into the state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center. State-run facilities in Illinois are supposed to care for people with mental and developmental disabilities. However, patients have been subjected to abuse, neglect and staff misconduct for decades, despite calls for change.
Illinois faces backlash over bid to end oversight of disability services
As hearings begin this week, independent court monitor says state’s services are ‘in stark contrast to national best practices’
Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident
Another caregiver at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna is facing charges for abusing a patient.
A security camera caught an employee beating a patient. It took 11 days for anyone to take action.
After our investigation revealed patient abuse at Illinois' Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, the facility installed cameras to help....
In crisis, she went to an Illinois facility. Two years later, she still isn’t able to leave
The state of Illinois is asking for the end of court oversight of its system of care for people with...
Judge closes Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center after ‘facility in crisis’ fails to meet new state standards
The facility closed abruptly on December 31. The judge who moved to close the facility said staffing shortages made it...
Choate director replaced as new report says abuse at the facility hasn’t stopped
State officials this week named a new leader of Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center amid a drumbeat of criticism...
State leaves 3 administrators in charge at Choate despite troubled history of resident care
A new state watchdog report calls for a “fundamental overhaul” at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center. But the state...
Problems with abuse, neglect and cover-ups at Choate extend to other developmental centers in Illinois
Prompted by an outcry over abuse, Illinois proposed moving residents from Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center to similar facilities...
Health care workers who cover up patient abuse face stiffer penalties under new law
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law on Friday that strengthens the range of penalties that a state watchdog...
Surprise and unanswered questions after state announces changes at Choate
Illinois plans to restructure Choate Mental Health Center, relocating residents and prompting debate over safety and workforce impacts.
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