Carbondale Reporter

Senate Republican Leader John Curran and Senate Republican Caucus Whip Jil Tracy have filed a resolution requesting an independent audit of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) following serious allegations of abuse at Aunt Martha’s Integrated Care Center in Chicago. The call for an audit comes after an investigative report by Injustice Watch revealed numerous accusations of violence, including sexual and physical abuse, against children at the state-funded facility.

In 2019, Marc Smith, a former executive at Aunt Martha's, was appointed as DCFS Director by Governor Pritzker. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest due to Smith's previous connections with the center. Despite these concerns, the Pritzker Administration continued employing A-Alert Security Services Inc., which has received over $7.3 million in taxpayer funds since 2022. Allegations against A-Alert include inappropriate conduct by its employees.

One employee, Antonio Hopkins, was arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault but is currently a fugitive after missing a court appearance. Another staff member, Trulon Henry, faced charges related to criminal sexual conduct while employed at Aunt Martha’s and was apprehended on the east coast before being returned to Chicago.

The resolution demands an audit outside the executive branch to assess various aspects such as abuse investigations, staff hiring practices, contract monitoring, and state fund spending at Aunt Martha’s and A-Alert Security Services Inc.

Separately, Illinois Senate Republicans are seeking specific data on immigrants with criminal records residing in Illinois. State Senator Terri Bryant highlighted federal data showing that over half a million non-citizens with criminal convictions or pending charges live in the U.S., stressing concerns for local safety.

The lawmakers have addressed their request for detailed information to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. They argue that national figures might obscure more pressing issues within Illinois under Governor JB Pritzker's administration.

Additionally, Senator Bryant is inviting constituents to honor veterans by submitting photos and stories for display at the Illinois Capitol from November 11 to 25 in recognition of Veterans Day.

October has been declared Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Illinois following a proclamation from the Governor. The state's Department of Innovation & Technology offers resources to help residents protect themselves from cyber threats through best practices like updating software regularly and using strong passwords.

Lastly, applications are open for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), offering assistance with energy bills to qualified low-income households ahead of winter.