Court Says Illinois May Refuse To Renew Adoption and Foster Care Contracts With Catholic Charities

Yesterday, in Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield v. State of Illinois, (IL Cir. Ct., Aug. 18, 2011), an Illinois trial court rejected attempts by Catholic Charities organizations in three cities to prevent the state of Illinois from refusing to renew their contracts to provide foster care and adoption services for the state. The state took the step because Catholic Charities will not serve unmarried cohabiting couples (including those in same-sex civil unions). (See prior posting.)  The court held that even though Catholic Charities have provided foster care and adoption services to Illinois families for 40 years under successive one-year contracts, the organizations have no legally recognized protected property interest in the renewal of their contracts. Chicago Tribune reports on the decision.