When we moved from Ohio to Illinois we assumed that our son David would move into a small group home in a neighborhood. When we started looking for placement, we were told there was no Illinois funding for group homes. We joined other families suing the state as part of the Legas lawsuit and in 2008, the state funded monies for group homes. There may be one in your neighborhood. Unlike other states, Illinois had large institutions that housed the developmentally disabled. There was a move to close these in favor of small group homes.

Here we are in 2024. My son David has lived happily in a Clearbrook home for over 10 years now and I am happy to report that the staff in his homes are caring and dedicated individuals. But Clearbrook like other agencies caring for the developmentally disabled has had continued staff shortages.

The state system is now in crisis. The state has proposed implementation plans that will have Illinois going backwards. The state has proposed cutting about 10% of funding for the direct staff that work in group homes like David’s. This would be the equivalent of cutting $87.7 million from developmental services and a massive reduction in hours for direct staff.

Adding to the crisis is that Illinois state still has large outdated state facilities and there are news reports that staff in these institutions have abused those in their care. The state kept these large institutions going, but now are looking to local agencies to take those clients in so these big, often-crumbling institutions can finally be closed.

As a 30-year resident of Illinois, I hope kind-hearted citizens will call their legislators and tell them to support the estimated 300,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My son David and his friends will thank you.

Juli Cicarelli

Arlington Heights