Illinois plans to reduce operations at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, a move that could affect approximately 280 positions.
A Illinois Department of Human Services spokesperson told Becker’s the operational changes are part of Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to transform the state’s support system for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by reducing institutional care and expanding community-based services.
Here are four things to know:
- Behavioral health beds will be phased down. The 75 IDHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery beds at Choate will be phased down by March 2027. The 40-bed forensic program will continue operating at Choate. Over the next fiscal year, approximately 280 positions may be impacted by the operational changes. The center currently has about 523 staff.
- Census has declined. The census across Illinois’ seven state operated developmental centers fell to 1,413 as of July 17, 2026, from 1,639 in March 2023. During the same period, Choate’s general census of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities dropped from 199 to 16, according to the IDHS spokesperson.
- Some advocates have criticized the plan. “The state is cutting jobs and resources that our region can’t spare, uprooting patients’ lives, and leaving families and employees to pick up the pieces,” U.S. Rep. Mike Bost from Illinois said in a July 24 news release from his office. He also said he was disappointed by the decision to reduce operations at Choate rather than invest in the facility.
- Employees will be offered other positions. IDHS said it will work with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Labor Relations and labor partners through the contractual layoff process and expects to offer other state employment opportunities for all affected positions.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.