JOLIET – Following the release of publicly available reports, State Senator Rachel Ventura has filed a resolution directing the Illinois Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the Illinois Department of Corrections. This will include a review of the department’s master plan as well as its actions at the Joliet Treatment Center and the Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center.
“I am disturbed by the recent reports coming out of the Joliet Treatment Center regarding the unsafe living conditions and lack of emergency preparedness that have led to two deaths at the facility,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Incidents like these are inexcusable and this resolution will force a much needed audit of the Illinois Department Corrections.”
The Joliet Treatment Center was opened in 2017 after advocates fought for a facility specifically designed for the treatment of individuals in custody requiring mental health treatment. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, new leadership of the facility started to cancel mental health groups and recreational time for those incarcerated.
This resolution calls on the Illinois Auditor General to include the following examinations for Fiscal Years 2022 – 2026:
- Fire escape plans, specifically the guards’ ability to follow correct safety procedures to get incarcerated individuals and correction officers out of harm’s way
- Sprinklers and fire alarms, specifically within the cells of incarcerated individuals
- Programs provided to incarcerated individuals including mental health programs and services, especially whether educational programs have bene reduced or cancelled
- Previous inspections, investigations, complaints, incident reports and action plans cornering fire safety, emergency response, mental health services, and programming
- Staffing levels, training, and preparedness at the Joliet Treatment Center and the Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center
Ventura will continue to advocate for the rights of incarcerated individuals and fight for criminal justice reforms.
