Illinois Court Summary Judgment Decision in Catholic Charities v. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
August 18, 2011 The Illinois Seventh Circuit Court ruled against Catholic Charities of Illinois agencies in Joliet, Springfield, Peoria, and Belleville in their complaint against the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) to compel the state to renew their foster care contracts. State law recently changed to forbid discrimination in licensing unmarried couples in a civil union as foster or adoptive parents. The four Catholic Charities agencies said they would not comply with the new law because it conflicts with their religious beliefs. The court said DCFS is not obligated to renew its foster care and adoption services . . .
