Illinois Catholic Charities Keeps Right to Serve Children with Foster Care/Adoption Services

Contact: Tom Ciesielka, 312-422-1333, tc@tcpr.net

CHICAGO, July 12, 2011 -- Today, Illinois Judge John Schmidt granted three Illinois Catholic Charities a preliminary injunction, allowing them to continue their service to the nearly 2,000 Illinois children under their care for foster care and adoptions.

The injunction maintains the status quo under the prior contract, before the Department of Children and Family Services refused to renew the foster care and adoption contracts of Catholic Charities. During the hearing, Judge Schmidt observed that the termination letter sent by DCFS late Friday afternoon to Catholic Charities in Peoria, Springfield, and Joliet had the "appearance of gamesmanship." Judge Schmidt also denied the Illinois Attorney General's motion to dismiss on the grounds of "mootness."

"This is a great win for the 2,000 children under the care of Catholic Charities, protecting these kids from the grave disruption that the state's reckless decision to terminate would have caused," said Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel, Thomas More Society. "We will continue this fight until all young people in need now and in the future are guaranteed their right to receive the high-quality foster and adoption care that the Catholic Church has provided for over a century to Illinois children."

The next hearing is scheduled for August 17, 2011 at 9 AM, where the judge will decide on the merits of the case.

Background on this case is available here.

For more information contact Tom Ciesielka 312-422-1333, tc@tcpr.net