HR0878 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0878 LRB094 19415 LJB 55318 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Research shows that individuals with developmental disorders are 7 times more likely than other people to come into contact with police and that their responses to encounters with the law may not always be socially appropriate; and

WHEREAS, When first responders are called to situations involving individuals with disabilities at personal residences, schools, residential facilities, and even shopping malls, it is imperative that first responders are prepared to quickly recognize the situation and address the risk management issues for everyone; and

WHEREAS, Healthcare professionals in emergency rooms often recognize an individual's disability but may not have the training to best treat someone with a disability; and

WHEREAS, By providing first responder professionals with a better understanding of hidden disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, mental impairment, deafness, and mental illness, a better relationship between those servicing our communities and all of the citizens they serve no matter what their needs can be created; and

WHEREAS, There must be more training and communication between direct service providers and public safety officers at all levels of government to ensure the safety of individuals who may or may not be able to effectively communicate their needs in a manner that society traditionally demands; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge that a pilot program be established to promote alliances between community service providers, facilities, health care professionals, and local public safety officers and to provide proper training to law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and other first responders on how to properly intervene in situations dealing with an individual with a developmental disability or mental illness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage the Department of Public Health, the Department Human Services, and the Illinois State Police along with the Autism Society of Illinois to act as resource agencies and facilitate the pilot program by offering existing personnel and resources to train law enforcement, health care professionals, and first responders on how to best deal with this special population; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Department of Public Health, the Department Human Services, the Illinois State Police, and the Autism Society of Illinois.