CHICAGO, IL – March 20, 2025 – Our Chicago-based law firm, Levin & Perconti, welcomes the recent announcement of a wide-ranging investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into Illinois’ treatment of people with developmental disabilities, particularly those residing in Community Integrated Living Arrangements and state-operated developmental centers. This investigation marks a critical step toward addressing long-standing concerns about the safety and well-being of these individuals.
Community Integrated Living Arrangements, or CILAs, are intended to be safe, inclusive group homes where adults with developmental disabilities can learn to live as independently as possible, receiving individualized support and assistance in developing life skills. These facilities are licensed and supervised by the Illinois Department of Human Services. There are approximately 3,100 CILA facilities in Illinois serving 10,000+ individuals.
However, reputable sources have revealed potential abuse and neglect within these group home settings. The DOJ investigation will examine whether Illinois adequately resources community living options and protects residents from harm in public institutions. This includes probing allegations of abuse and neglect at state-operated developmental centers. However, its scope also extends to how the state provides services to all individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including those in community settings like CILAs.
Related video: What is a CILA group home?
Historical Findings Highlight Systemic Failures and Negligence
Levin & Perconti, a leading Chicago law firm with over 30 years of experience advocating for vulnerable Illinoisans, has long been aware of the vulnerabilities within the CILA system.
A 2018 audit by the Illinois Auditor General uncovered serious shortcomings in DHS monitoring and licensing procedures for CILA facilities. These deficiencies included failures to perform timely inspections, fully disclose findings, report negative findings from the Office of the Inspector General to the licensing department, ensure timely correction of violations, revoke licenses for falsified documents, monitor residents’ personal funds, follow up on problem providers, ensure required weekly visits, and involve clients or guardians in individual service plans. Shockingly, as of September 2022, as many as 74 percent of these deficiencies remained unaddressed.
The exact incidence of CILA abuse is unknown due to significant underreporting. However, in 2021 alone, DHS received 779 allegations of abuse and failed to complete investigations for the majority of them. Of the cases that were investigated, a significant portion showed credible evidence of abuse. This data suggests that hundreds of CILA residents may still be experiencing abuse unchecked.
Types of abuse in CILA group homes can include mental, physical, and sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Tragically, the very caregivers supposed to protect these vulnerable adults often perpetrate the abuse. Warning signs of abuse can include behavioral changes, unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, and signs of financial exploitation.
Related video: How Common is CILA Resident Abuse?
Levin & Perconti Stands Up for Victims of CILA Abuse and Negligence
Levin & Perconti has a proven track record of fighting for justice for victims of group home negligence and abuse, including those in CILA facilities. We understand the devastating impact that abuse and neglect can have on individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, causing life-threatening physical injuries and profound psychological damage.
“Handling CILA abuse cases becomes difficult because the victims often can’t speak for themselves, either because they’ve died as a result of the abuse or because the reason that they’re in the CILA is that they have challenges, whether developmentally or cognitively, in communicating their needs.” – Margaret Battersby Black on “What are the challenges in CILA abuse cases?”
Recently, our team settled a tragic case for $6 million involving a young man in his 20s living in a Chicago area group home. Due to a condition that caused him to consume excessive amounts of water, he became dangerously overhydrated, resulting in hyponatremia, which led to a fatal brain injury.
Another recent example of our commitment includes a $1.5 million settlement against a CILA facility for the family of a 31-year-old who sustained traumatic brain injuries and died from CILA abuse. We also represent Zach Stankewitz, a 28-year-old mentally disabled resident of a Help at Home CILA facility who suffered catastrophic brain injuries after being repeatedly hit in the head by other residents with the encouragement of a staff member. This shocking incident—caught on video—underscores the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability in these facilities.
Our firm has also secured significant settlements in other group home negligence cases, such as a $2 million settlement for the death of a resident with a known choking risk due to inadequate supervision and a $1.475 million settlement for a resident who choked because staff failed to follow their Individual Service Plan. These cases demonstrate the potential for severe harm and even death when CILA providers and their staff fail in their duty of care.
How Levin & Perconti Can Help Victims of Group Home Negligence
The announcement of the DOJ investigation sheds crucial light on the systemic issues within Illinois’ CILA system, providing the opportunity to implement much-needed reforms. Levin & Perconti remains dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities.
If you suspect your loved one has been abused or neglected in a CILA group home, it is crucial to take immediate action. We urge you to do the following:
- Call the Office of the Inspector General’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-368-1463.
- Call the police. If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Contact an experienced CILA abuse lawyer at Levin & Perconti immediately.
Don’t wait until you can prove the abuse—suspicion is enough to warrant a report. Our compassionate and skilled CILA abuse attorneys can help you report the abuse to the proper authorities, take immediate steps to protect your loved one’s safety, and pursue substantial compensation for damages, including mental anguish, physical pain, and medical expenses.
Related video: How to Report CILA Abuse
As pioneers in long-term care litigation, we have the experience and dedication to challenge CILA providers and fight for justice for your loved one. We actively support legislation to protect CILA residents and are committed to holding negligent parties accountable.
Contact Levin & Perconti today for a free consultation at (312) 332-2872 or complete our online form. We are here to help you and your loved ones navigate this challenging time and seek the justice you deserve.
