Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities v. Phillips

This appeal arises out of an action brought by the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (the Department) against the trustee of a discretionary spendthrift trust. The Department sought reimbursement for the cost of services provided to the trust’s beneficiary, a mentally handicapped young adult residing at the Waukegan Developmental Center. On cross-motions for summary judgment, the trial court entered judgment in favor of the Department, holding that the trustee had abused his discretion in failing to reimburse the Department. The trial court further denied the…