Illinois ends adoption, foster care contracts with Catholic Charities

July 12, 2011

Citing recently enacted civil-union legislation, the State of Illinois has ended its adoption and foster care contracts with Catholic Charities agencies in the Dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, and Springfield because they will not place children with same-sex couples.

“It's a surprise. But it's also very disturbing,” said an attorney who represents Catholic Charities. “The impact on the 2,500 children in Catholic Charities care will be catastrophic.”

The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic Charities office has not taken part in adoption and foster care since 2007; the Diocese of Rockford recently ended its participation following the passage of civil-union legislation.

 

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Further information:

• Illinois doesn't renew Catholic Charities' foster, adoption contracts (Chicago Tribune)
• Illinois dioceses sue to stop enforcement of same-sex adoption rule (CWN, 6/7)