Institutionalized Persons

The ACLU of Illinois believes that persons in government institutions or for whom the government is responsible deserve a fair and constitutionally appropriate level of care.

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The ACLU of Illinois believes that persons in government institutions or for whom the government is responsible deserve a fair and constitutionally appropriate level of care. We work to ensure that the State of Illinois meets this standard when providing health care, mental health services, home care services for disabled people and protection for children in the child welfare system. Our advocacy efforts in this field are varied, from winning the end of solitary confinement for those in the Department of Juvenile Justice, to working on moving individuals with disabilities out of institutions and into community based homes. These are long term efforts that require expertise and persistence.

The Latest

News & Commentary
White text Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. Behind navy filtered image of the front of the building.

Put on Notice

Early 2024, the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center closed it's doors. Alexis Picard, Legal Fellow at the ACLU of Illinois, sat down to discuss the case and the most recent developments. 
News & Commentary
Nora in front of Springfield Capitol Ceiling

Testimony Regarding Proposals to Advance Safety for DCFS Workers

There are many actions DCFS can take to better protect its workers and needs to put in place safety measures that caseworkers and investigators have been asking for.
Press Release
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ACLU of Illinois Responds to DCFS’ Efforts to Avoid Accountability Under Federal Consent Decree

Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights - Reproductive Rights While Incarcerated

Know Your Rights - Reproductive Rights While Incarcerated

Court Case
Dec 04, 2025

Brown v. Little

Court Case
Jun 11, 2024

J.B.H. v. Knox County

Court Case
Jul 05, 2023

Maurer v. Franklin County

Court Case
Feb 22, 2021

Finnigan v. Mendrick