Friday, September 1, 2023

Illinois: A mother’s plea for better oversight of group homes for people with disabilities

This is an investigative report from KSDK in St. Louis into oversight of Illinois CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements), group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD): 'People look the other way': Mother begs for better oversight of group homes for people with disabilities, by Paula Vasan, 10/6/2022.

“PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. — A mother’s love is limitless. It means fighting for your child.'We had 30 to 40 ER visits in less than three years,' said Peggy Strong. 'My daughter almost died.'  She said it was because of a problem her daughter Marjorie couldn’t tell her about. 'She also is non-verbal. She is incapable of fending for herself,' said Strong.”…

Read the article, but also view these two interviews on Youtube to get the full story:

Extended interview: Peggy Strong

Peggy Strong's daughter, Marjorie, lived in a taxpayer-funded group home in Pinckneyville, Illinois. Strong said case managers told her it was the best option for her daughter. Red flags seemed to prove otherwise.

Extended interview: Rita Winkeler

Disability rights advocate Rita Winkeler is a critic of taxpayer-funded group homes, licensed by Illinois and run by private organizations. The homes are for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, designed to better integrate them into society.

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