Stuck Kids
Illinois Children Languish in Psychiatric Hospitals
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services struggles to find appropriate homes for young people with mental illness, often holding children and teens in psychiatric hospitals even after they’ve been cleared for release.
A Chicago Psychiatric Hospital Is Under Fire After Child Abuse Allegations. Again.
A new lawsuit calls Chicago Lakeshore a “hospital of horrors,” where children as young as 7 were allegedly sexually abused and others were injected with sedatives and physically attacked — all while officials covered it up.
Lawsuit Targets Illinois’ Child Welfare Agency Over Children Languishing in Psychiatric Hospitals
The suit against the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, filed on behalf of hundreds of children, claims holding them after doctors clear them for release compounds their trauma.
A Chicago Psychiatric Hospital Will Lose Federal Funding Over Safety and Abuse Issues Involving Children in State Care
At the same time, a federal judge said he will appoint a monitor to oversee the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. “The stakes cannot be higher,” the judge said.
ACLU of Illinois Demands Removal of Children in DCFS Care From Troubled Chicago Hospital
More allegations of sexual abuse at Aurora Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, already under government scrutiny, have surfaced.
Chicago City Council Members Seek Hearing on Psychiatric Hospital
Aldermen ask for hearing to address allegations of sexual and physical abuse at Aurora Chicago Lakeshore Hospital.
Illinois DCFS Agrees to Outside Inquiry at Psychiatric Hospital Where Children Have Reported Abuse
Under mounting pressure, the state child welfare agency agreed to a broad investigation, but the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocates said they will remain vigilant.
Illinois Child Welfare Agency Agrees to Stop Sending Children to Psychiatric Hospital Where Children Reported Abuse
The Department of Children and Family Services’ inspector general and the American Civil Liberties Union say a limited investigation doesn’t go far enough.
Lawmakers Call for Independent Inquiry at Psychiatric Hospital After ProPublica Illinois Report on Abuse of Children
One legislator said she was “disgusted” by the revelations and said the children “deserve to be safe.”
Illinois Lawmakers Search for Solutions for Children Stuck in Psychiatric Hospitals
Witnesses at legislative hearing criticize state child welfare agency, say some teens prefer jail to psychiatric facilities
Federal Judge to Consider Independent Monitor for Illinois Child Welfare Agency
State officials have failed to deal with children stuck in psychiatric hospitals.
Illinois Lawmakers Demand Explanation on Children Stuck in Psychiatric Hospitals
A call for state welfare officials to appear at a public hearing follows our ProPublica Illinois investigation.
What We’re Watching
During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.
Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.
Sharon Lerner
I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
Andy Kroll
I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.
Melissa Sanchez
I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.
Jesse Coburn
I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.
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