The Chicago Tribune covered the hearing over the case between Catholic Charities and DCFS. The ACLU of Illinois was recently granted a motion to intervene in the case on behalf of foster children, and to help defend couples who are parties to a civil union obtain foster services. Judge John Schmidt of Sangamon County will rule on the case in the near future.

"This 40-year relationship we've had has resulted in annual renewals without exception," lawyer Tom Brejcha argued on behalf of Catholic Charities. "There was certainly no expectation here, no notice given that there was a proposal to cease that relationship."

Deborah Barnes, a lawyer for the Illinois Attorney General, argued that the longevity of the state's contract with Catholic Charities did not entitle them to an automatic renewal.

“It was not arbitrary and capricious, the end of this 40-year relationship," she said. "The state has a great deal of gratitude for Catholic Charities. … The relationship has changed because the legal landscape has changed.”

Read the whole thing.