Sangamon Sun

Rep. Charlie Meier is actively supporting the Dorsey family in their efforts to prevent their son, Gregory Dorsey, from being relocated to a state-operated developmental center (SODC) far from their home. Gregory, who is 26 and has autism, anxiety, and ADHD, currently lives at the Murray Center after several relocations facilitated by state agencies. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has recommended moving him to a facility in Waukegan, which is a significant distance away.

The Dorsey family has expressed that the DHS has pressured them to relinquish guardianship along with medical decision-making authority. They are advocating for Gregory to remain at the Murray Center, preferring stability over continual relocations.

Gregory's father, William Dorsey, stated, “We don’t feel like we should have to give up guardianship to get help for our son.”

Rep. Charlie Meier, who is engaging with the DHS on this issue, remarked, “Repeatedly, for many years, I have gone to ask DHS for help and this is what we get, we get six court cases for this family and poor Greg to have to go through. The agencies seem more focused on proving a point than actually helping the people under their supervision.”

William Dorsey commended Rep. Meier’s contributions, saying, “[Rep. Charlie Meier] has gone above and beyond. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for that man.”

This case is part of an ongoing commitment by Rep. Meier to support families of individuals with disabilities throughout Illinois.

Read more at The Center Square here.