Springfield, IL (WAND) – Central and southern Illinois lawmakers are furious that Gov. JB Pritzker plans to close residential units at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center. The governor told reporters Friday that he listened to advice from advocates for people with developmental disabilities.
The Anna, IL facility has faced intense scrutiny after years of resident abuse, neglect and staff misconduct. However, downstate leaders say closing Choate will cost the region hundreds of jobs and uproot vulnerable patients.
Some note that an SIU School of Medicine study supported their efforts to keep the facility open.
“In that 40-page report, it was almost as if the governor’s administration and DHS were checking a box,” said Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “Legislators want a study done, check. And then they ignored the 40-page report that said not only should we not decrease the beds there, but we should increase the beds there.”
Pritzker said Illinois is one of the last states in the country to get out of state-owned developmental centers. He stressed other states have stopped the practice because they realized community homes are better settings.
The Democrat said he is offering all Choate employees an opportunity to work for the Illinois Department of Human Services.
“We have many more open positions in the Department of Human Services in southern Illinois than we do people available to fill those positions,” Pritzker said. “Here we’ve got really high-quality people no doubt who may become available as a result of this and we’d love to have them continue to work for the state.”
Pritzker said Illinois is trying to minimize disruption while responding to the needs and desires of people living in the facility. Yet, lawmakers and advocates said ending Choate’s mental health services, reducing developmental disability services and laying off 250 employees is not good for anyone.
“My heart, and this is where the crying may come, is with you guys that are taking care of residents and giving them the opportunity to live at the highest level they possibly can,” said Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton).
The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities said the heartbreaking abuse allegations at Choate demanded decisive action. The group said they support Pritzker and the Department of Human Services as they move forward with the next phase of transitioning residents to settings that best meet their individual needs.
“Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly have demonstrated a sustained commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through increased investments in the adult community-based services array,” said IARF President and CEO Josh Evans. “Those commitments provide an important foundation as more individuals receive supports closer to home and in the least restrictive settings possible.”
