Kankakee Times

In response to the recent reports of abuse at the Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee, House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas is joining Assistant Minority Leader Charlie Meier in supporting his legislative plan to make significant reforms at Illinois developmental centers.

"I, like many people in the 79th District and Kankakee area, was extremely disturbed by the reports and footage of abuse at the Shapiro Developmental Center," said Leader Haas. "I'm joining Leader Meier to advocate for this legislation to make these critically needed reforms for our state's most vulnerable residents. These centers are their homes, and they deserve to be treated with basic dignity and compassion. I will work with Rep. Meier to ensure these residents at the Shapiro Center and across Illinois receive the best quality care that is administered with respect and empathy in the places they call home."

Leader Haas is a co-sponsor of three pieces of legislation from Leader Meier's "Help Protect Us and Improve Our Home" plan: House Bills 1298, 2998, and 3545. This plan, released by Leader Meier in February 2023 following reports of neglect and abuse at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, aims to make improvements at Illinois developmental centers and create safe and healthy spaces for the residents.

"Leader Haas and I have been working together to make sure that anyone who commits abuse towards our most vulnerable is punished to the full extent of the law and will not be allowed to work with our most vulnerable ever again," said Leader Meier. "I hope the Inspector General acts quickly on this investigation. This is why our plan to improve the safety of our most vulnerable includes the installation of cameras at Shapiro and all State-operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) and Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs). We will continue to work with DHS and I hope they will listen to me more as we work to end the abuse and neglect happening in developmental centers and group homes in the state of Illinois."

The "Help Protect Us and Improve Our Home" plan includes several suggested improvements to be made by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), such as installing cameras in common areas, implementing ongoing staff training, increasing the hiring of qualified staff, and improving overall accountability of staff performance.

Earlier this month, a CBS Chicago investigation revealed alleged abuse at the Shapiro Developmental Center, including incidents of strangulation, withholding meals, and preventing residents from using the bathroom. The Illinois State Police and IDHS are currently investigating these allegations.

Leader Haas, in addition to her role as a state legislator, is the CEO of the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health and has worked as a social worker in the Kankakee area for over 30 years. She is also the chair of the House Republican Supporting Women and Families working group and serves on various committees related to health care availability and access, mental health, and prescription drug affordability.

Individuals who wish to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation at the developmental centers can file a report with the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

The joint efforts of Leader Haas and Leader Meier underscore the importance of addressing the issues of abuse and neglect in Illinois developmental centers. Their proposed legislation and reforms aim to create safe and compassionate environments for the residents, ensuring that they receive the best quality care and support in the places they call home.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://rephaas.com/2023/10/18/leader-haas-joins-leader-charlie-meier-in-urging-help-protect-us-and-improve-our-home-plan-to-reform-state-developmental-centers-following-reports-of-abuse-at-shapiro-developmental-c/