CHICAGO — Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier and the Murray Parents Association were in Chicago Tuesday for a joint House and Senate Human Services Committee hearing to discuss the abuse and neglect which took place at group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The committee scheduled the hearing in response to two investigative reports published in the Chicago Tribune concerning the abuse and neglect which took place in multiple Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) otherwise called “group homes”.

Since Meier first took office he began to advocate for the proper care of individuals living in group homes and state operated developmental centers by changing state law.

In February 2014, Meier introduced a bill to require CILAs to be licensed annually instead of every three years.

In February of this year, Meier introduced another bill to require DHS to conduct unannounced or announced visits of group homes to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals residing under the care of a CILA and to require group homes to notify DHS when emergency calls are made from a CILA.