Editorial Cartoon: An end to the two-party system
The family of Paul McCann asked to meet with the Illinois Department of Human Services on Feb. 4.
Shawn Collins, an attorney representing the McCann family, sent a letter to Michelle Saddler, the Secretary of IDHS.
In the letter, Collins requested Saddler to meet with him to discuss the death of McCann.
McCann, a developmentally disabled man, died Jan. 23 in a Graywood facility from injures suffered from a beating.
On Jan. 28, IDHS began the process of terminating Graywood’s contract.
Collins said that McCann’s family wants to ask why the IDHS waited until after his death to terminate Graywood’s contract.
In the press release issued by the IDHS, the department cited “recent allegations” and “other serious tragic incidents” as reasons to terminate Graywood’s contract.
Collins said his main question for Saddler is, “Why did IDHS not shut Graywood down sooner?”
“IDHS has known for years that Graywood is not a place that protects its residents,” Collins said.
Collins said that IDHS had substantial evidence that Graywood could not protect its residents.
According to a report by the Human Rights Authority: “There were 14 cases of (Office of Inspector General) investigations that covered a nine-month period, six substantiated findings of abuse committed by staff at other (Community Integrated Living Arrangements) that are owned by the Graywood Foundation.”
The substantiated evidence does not involve the Charleston and Mattoon facilities.
Also, Collins would like to talk about an incident that occurred in April 2010.
Collins said McCann had broken his nose while living in the Graywood group home in April.
The Office of Inspector General conducted an investigation into McCann’s broken nose, but they concluded the findings of abuse were unfounded.
Collins said he expects to hear from Saddler by the end of the week.
“I will be disappointed and surprised by IDHS if they do not contact me soon,” Collins said. “IDHS is tax-funded, and they do not have the right to ignore the McCann family.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, Saddler has not contacted Collins.
Two Graywood employees have been arrested in connection with McCann’s death.
Marquis A. Harmon, 22, a kinesiology and sports studies major at Eastern, and Keyun D. Newble, 25, former Eastern student, have been arrested and formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with McCann’s death.
A preliminary hearing is set for Harmon and Newble on Feb. 22.
Elizabeth Edwards can be reached
at 581-2812 or eaedwards@eiu.edu.
