The largest foster care agency in the state, Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children touts seven residential houses, foster placement and pregnancy counseling for about 350 displaced children. President Dr. Bill Smithwick is proud of their religious affiliation.

“Our goal and our mission in ministry is to take care of these kids. We do so from an unapologetically faith based perspective.”

The ACLU did not return our calls, but is asking a federal court to rule that KBHC has to pay back the millions of dollars it has received from the state over the years. That would destroy the ministry.

“The very worse case scenario, which I don’t think would happen, would be if indeed the ACLU won on every count and we had to repay the money, I mean, we’d be gone.”

KBHC lawyer, John Sheller, feels good about their chances in court.

“I feel very confident and strong about our position. The Establishment Clause is obviously a very complex area of the law, but the most recent cases of the Supreme Court would tend our direction.”

Kelly Shackelford of Liberty Legal Institute says this is a typical ACLU threat.

“It’s the attempt to intimidate people, to intimidate, to scare not only this mission home, but maybe other Christian groups.”

In fighting this case, KBHC is not just a home for wayward kids; it is the home of the brave.