Three Illinois lawmakers, including two from southern Illinois, call a news investigation that uncovered abuse caught on camera at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna unacceptable.
State Senators Terri Bryant of Murphysboro, Dale Fowler of Harrisburg and Laura Fine from Glenview, who is chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, say stronger oversight is needed.
Some employees of Choate have been charged with and found guilty of abusing patients, obstructing official probes and lying to investigators about wrongdoing.
A Capitol News Illinois investigation this week uncovered an instance of abuse earlier this year that was caught on camera and may have otherwise gone unreported.
Members of the Illinois Senate stated that the cameras are working as intended, but there is room for further oversight and improvement to ensure those housed at Choate are protected.
They add management must do more to create an environment where employees have no reason to fear retaliation for reporting cases of abuse.
