Problems with abuse, neglect and cover-ups at Choate extend to other developmental centers in Illinois Problems with abuse, neglect and cover-ups at Choate extend to other developmental centers in Illinois Tuesday, July 11, 2023 Prompted by an outcry over abuse, Illinois proposed moving residents from Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center to similar facilities in the state. New reporting shows the problems at Choate are common throughout the statewide system
Health care workers who cover up patient abuse face stiffer penalties under new law Health care workers who cover up patient abuse face stiffer penalties under new law Monday, June 12, 2023 Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law on Friday that strengthens the range of penalties that a state watchdog can mete out for health care employees who conspire to hide abuse or interfere with investigations by the state police or internal oversight bodies.
Surprise and unanswered questions after state announces changes at Choate Surprise and unanswered questions after state announces changes at Choate Thursday, March 9, 2023 Families of patients at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, along with workers and community leaders, reacted with concern after the state’s announcement this week that it plans... Read more
Illinois to relocate at least half of current residents at Choate Illinois to relocate at least half of current residents at Choate Tuesday, March 7, 2023 The Illinois Department of Human Services plans to dramatically reduce the number of patients with developmental disabilities who live at the embattled state-run Choate Mental Health and... Read more
GOP lawmakers call for hearings in wake of abuse at Choate GOP lawmakers call for hearings in wake of abuse at Choate Thursday, February 23, 2023 All 59 Republican members of the Illinois General Assembly are calling for legislative hearings on a state-run mental health center in rural southern Illinois, citing findings of a culture of... Read more
‘Tired of being abused:’ Watchdog report shows Choate patients forced to handle own excrement ‘Tired of being abused:’ Watchdog report shows Choate patients forced to handle own excrement Friday, February 10, 2023 Newly released reports from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ watchdog office reveal shocking instances of cruelty, abuse and poor care of patients who have mental illnesses and... Read more
DCFS, director face lawsuit filed on behalf of jailed wards DCFS, director face lawsuit filed on behalf of jailed wards Friday, January 20, 2023 The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services on Thursday was named in a federal class-action lawsuit on behalf of children in state care who have been held in juvenile detention centers... Read more
Watchdog seeks harsher penalties in wake of abuse at Choate Watchdog seeks harsher penalties in wake of abuse at Choate Thursday, January 19, 2023 The watchdog for the Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking harsher penalties against health care workers who obstruct abuse and neglect investigations. Read more