A committee of state lawmakers will meet in Chicago today to discuss problems, such as prostitution, happening at state-run residential facilities for teens.
The hearing is in response to an ongoing investigative series by The Chicago Tribune.
At least 14 teenagers who lived at the centers were found to have engaged in prostitution since 2011. Other problems include extreme discipline, lack of staff, and abuse.
David Jackson is an investigative reporter working on the series. He says it has resulted in some of the centers putting a hold on intake--and of course, the legislative hearing.
"It is not only going to look at safety of kids inside these centers, but also ... more broadly, the way that Illinois provides mental health services to disadvantaged kids."
It's not clear yet what, if any, legislation could result.
