Kankakee Times

Following the indictments of four employees for the alleged battery of a patient at Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee, State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) issued a statement condemning the abuse.

“I am absolutely appalled by the recent indictments of several employees at Shapiro, and the continued reports of abuse of the developmentally disabled patients at other facilities across the state,” said Haas. “It makes me enraged to learn that four mental health technicians, who had a duty to care for and protect their patients, some of our most vulnerable citizens, were indicted for such a horrific attack."

Haas expressed frustration over recurring incidents and called for legislative action. “It also disgusts me that we are in a situation that continues repeating itself. How many victims do we need to hear about before legislative action is taken by the Illinois General Assembly? I believe that one victim is too many, especially when these incidents can and should be prevented.”

Representative Haas co-sponsors House Bills 1298, 2998, and 3545 aimed at increasing protections for developmentally disabled patients and strengthening penalties against their abusers. However, none of these bills have been brought to committee hearings or received votes on the House floor.

“This abuse has to stop. As legislators, we have the power to pass legislation that can prevent more abuse before it happens. I call on my colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly to step up and support these bills before we hear about another shocking and heartbreaking story of abuse,” Haas urged.

For further information about Representative Haas, visit RepHaas.com.

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