State Representative Charlie Meier is calling for the resignation of Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero, citing concerns over the agency’s leadership and treatment of people with developmental disabilities.
Meier pointed to a recent state audit that identified problems with recordkeeping and the handling of abuse and neglect allegations. He also criticized the state’s decision to significantly scale back services at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna.
Meier says DHS has failed to address continuing abuse and neglect concerns in Community Integrated Living Arrangements and delays in placing people found unfit to stand trial into appropriate state facilities.
He also accused Governor JB Pritzker’s administration of ignoring an SIU study examining how Choate could continue providing services.
Meier said families and vulnerable residents have suffered from the state’s approach to moving people out of state-operated facilities and questioned DHS oversight of employees responsible for those services.
Meier serves on the Illinois Legislative Audit Commission and House Human Services Committee.