Springfield, Ill., Jan 10, 2012 / 23:06 pm
Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Springfield, Ill. has announced a major reorganization in response to the state’s termination of its foster care and adoption contracts. The agency intends to strengthen its Catholic identity and become more self-reliant in funding its services.
“It is imperative that Catholic Charities is not eliminated from the public consciousness as a result of this unfortunate conflict with the state,” said Steven Roach, the agency’s executive director.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services ended the contracts because the Catholic agencies would not place children in homes of unmarried couples, including homosexual couples and those in civil unions.
The contracts provided the Springfield agency with about half of its revenue, or $5 million per year, the Illinois State Journal-Register reports.