For Now, Illinois Must Refer Foster Kids to Catholic Charities

By Nottage and Ward on July 29, 2011

The Chicago Tribune reports that Catholic Charities in Illinois will once again be able to take on new foster care cases, in spite of the efforts of the state to block the group over a dispute regarding civil unions and gay rights. A judge in Sangamon County made a temporary ruling on July 18 after the state consented to permit Catholic Charities to take new cases, at least for the next few weeks. However, the agency will not place children with couples that are unmarried or gay.

Previously, Catholic Charities sued the state over whether they should be required to assist gay couples seeking to adopt or become a foster parent. Then, the agency alleged that the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) had violated an order that required the state to uphold the agency’s contract while things were decided in circuit court. DCFS had allowed close to 2,000 foster children who had been placed by Catholic Charities to remain under the group’s watch and in place. However, despite the order, the state refused to permit the agency to place children in new foster care cases. Catholic Charities sought to keep the cases coming. Additionally, the agency argued that the action by the DCFS was not in agreement with the order from the Sangamon County judge since it did not maintain operations as though the agency and the state had a contract in place.

This ruling is separate from the issue regarding whether or not Catholic Charities will be permitted to continue offering adoption and foster services long-term. Due to the dispute regarding civil unions, DCFS had refused to renew a contract for foster care services with the agency. Catholic Charities’ contract expired at the end of June, and the state informed the agency the contract would not be extended. A hearing is set for mid-August.

If you have questions about Illinois’ new civil union law, contact the civil union attorneys in Chicago at Nottage and Ward. We can help you understand the complexities of the law as it relates to finances, insurance benefits, and more. Call 312-332-2915 today.