ACLU files suit to prevent cuts

June 29, 2009 (CHICAGO) American Civil Liberties Union lawyers are trying to prevent the state child welfare system from cutting counseling and increasing caseloads if the proposed doomsday budget takes effect.

The suit was filed on behalf of 16,000 foster children.

It states that the proposed cuts violate a 21 year old federal consent decree, which gave the ACLU oversight of the well being of children in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

If there's no budget deal major budget cuts may take effect across the state on July 1.