Keep Choate Working: AFSCME stands against Choate Center downsizing

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In a shocking about-face, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) announced on July 23 that it intends to end most operations at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna. 

DHS’s sudden decision–to downsize Choate, lay off half of its workers, disrupt the lives of the individuals who receive treatment there, disregard the advice of its own experts–is indefensible. And the ramification of the state’s actions, while certainly concentrated in Southern Illinois, will be felt all across the state.

For the past three years, DHS has been steadily reducing available beds for individuals with developmental disabilities at Choate. While some of those impacted were placed with nonprofit disability agencies, most were moved to other state-operated developmental centers throughout the state.

During this year’s budget process, AFSCME and lawmakers asked DHS directly whether cuts were planned for the current fiscal year. The department said no. 

“Had we been aware of the planned layoffs, we certainly would have opposed the budget as introduced,” said Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch.

“Our union had received several assurances that there would be no layoffs this year, so this news came as a total shock,” said Local 141 President Tina Winfield. “Choate employees show up every day and do this work with pride because we truly care about the individuals we serve. They see us as their family and we see them the same way.”

Choate serves a vital function in DHS’s system of care for individuals with severe developmental disabilities or mental illness, including those who have been found guilty by reason of insanity or unfit to stand trial in criminal cases. 

Now the department is planning to close some 75 beds at Choate that have served to aid the transition of individuals with mental illness who are no longer subject to court-ordered treatment back into the community. That unit would be moved to Madden Mental Health Center in the Chicago metro area, which already has difficulty recruiting and retaining staff.

Choate is a major source of union jobs in a region of Southern Illinois where such employment is limited, and it serves individuals with significant needs, including dual diagnoses, who cannot readily be served elsewhere.

AFSCME is working to bring together concerned families, elected officials, and community leaders to press Gov. Pritzker and DHS to reverse the decision.