Each adoption journey is unique and can feel overwhelming at times, but the reward lies in the cuddles and smiles as you hold your baby. The process is carefully designed to make sure that the baby’s best interest is always put first.
It takes time to confirm that the adoptive parents are emotionally and financially prepared to provide a safe and loving home. The process can’t be rushed for either the potential adoptive family or the birth mother. We work hard to ensure that expectant mothers receive the support they need to make a deeply personal decision freely and without pressure.
Once a family is home study approved, the timeframe to be chosen by an expectant mother can average between 6 and 24 months (or more). Understanding the infant adoption process in Illinois step-by-step helps families prepare for their journey to parenthood. The best part is that you’re not alone. You can depend on the help of an Illinois newborn adoption agency.
At Angel Adoption, we have over 27 years of experience guiding Illinois families like yours through adoption completion. Start your consultation to learn what to expect and how we build families with our step-by-step guidance.
With this comprehensive guide to the Illinois adoption process requirements, parents will be better equipped to work with an adoption agency and prepare for all the requirements of the adoption process.
Overview of the Illinois Infant Adoption Process Steps
While no two adoptions are the same, they all follow basic steps to completion. The entire infant adoption process in Illinois typically involves 8-12 major steps. These are:
- Initial consultation and agency selection (2-5 weeks): Take the time to research adoption agencies you’d like to work with. Look at reviews, ratings, and testimonials. You may also want to have a first consultation.
- Application and intake process (2-4 weeks): Once you’ve selected an Illinois adoption agency, the initial screening, document processing, orientation meetings, and assessments take place. From there, you can move on to your home study.
- Home study completion (2-4 months): During the home study, a licensed agency will conduct family interviews and perform a home inspection. They’ll also process background and criminal checks.
- Profile creation and approval (1-2 months): Your adoption profile includes information that your birth mother looks at during the matching process. Include photos, information about you and your family, what the adoption will mean to you, and how you plan to support the baby.
- Waiting and matching period (varies widely, 1-24+ months): This period is typically the longest in the Illinois infant adoption timeline, as it depends on matching with a birth mother. Factors such as low match possibilities and personal preferences may also delay this step.
- Birth mother meetings and relationship building: An opportunity for birth mothers and adoptive parents to bond and decide whether to proceed with the adoption process or go through the selection process again. If successful, it can lead to placement once the baby is born.
- Legal procedures and finalization (3-6 months post-placement): Adoption petitions and other legal documents are presented to the courts. A licensed provider conducts a post-placement home study as required by state law.
Phase 1 – Initial Consultation and Agency Selection
Choosing the right agency can play a significant role in a successful infant adoption process in Illinois. Adoption can be a legally and emotionally complex process. A qualified agency has the necessary expertise and resources to help would-be parents complete their families. Caring staff can also provide comfort to adoptive parents in the event of unexpected delays or challenging moments as they work through the Illinois newborn adoption steps.
To find an agency that closely matches your needs, research to see whether they meet the minimum licensing and regulatory requirements. In Illinois, adoption agencies need to be registered by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or work with another licensed agency. Out-of-state agencies need to be registered, licensed, or approved by DCFS.
Meet with the agency to learn more about their processes and what services they offer. At Angel Adoption, we offer an initial consultation at no cost and share an in-depth overview of what’s to be expected of the process.
Agencies should also state which support services they provide, for instance, counseling, educational events, and post-placement support.
Phase 2 – Application and Intake Process
During your first interviews, you can attempt to get a feel for the costs. However, it’s important to know that the fees are relative. Adoptions cost around $40,000 to $50,000, but pricing depends on whether there are additional requirements or legal matters. The costs discussed at the initial meeting are estimates.
Agencies with à la carte pricing can provide more clarity into the fee structure. With that, you can see the cost of specific services and decide if that is something you want.
During this phase, parents can explore the financial implications and look into adoption loans and tax incentives. The federal adoption tax credit, additional benefits for members of the military, and workplace benefits are all part of this research.
Once the agency has been chosen, adoptive parents complete an application form that lists their personal information. These include personal history, financial stability, adoption preferences, and family information.
Documents that need to accompany the application include:
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- Birth certificate
- Financial statements
- Military discharge or death certificates
- Release form to perform criminal and background checks
- Reference and character letters
- Employment verifications
Adoptive parents need to provide a written statement explaining their motivation and background. They also need to consider their preferences for adoption, such as gender or special needs.
Phase 3 – Home Study Requirements and Process
Home study requirements in Illinois cover many personal aspects of the adoption. The home study requirements determine whether the applicants are suitable persons to adopt a child. The home study is a critical component of the infant adoption process in Illinois, ensuring family readiness.
Some of the factors the home study investigates include:
- The applicants’ health, including physical and mental evaluations
- Character references, including personal and professional letters
- Reputation and standing in the community
As part of the Illinois adoption process requirements, adoptive parents are required to submit their fingerprints to the Illinois State Police through a licensed live scan fingerprint vendor. In addition to state background checks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) runs their own background checks.
A federal background check is only valid for two years, but state checks are typically only valid for a year. If you’re trying to adopt for longer than a year, you may need to repeat this process.
Licensed home study agencies conduct these reviews. These include a visit to your home to see whether it’s a safe and nurturing environment for a child. Your adoption agency can provide a home study checklist to help you prepare for this phase.
The home study is also a period of learning, and would-be parents are required to complete a minimum of six hours of compulsory pre-adoption classes. Domestic adoptions require six hours of training and international adoptions require 10 hours, but these requirements can vary depending on the agency.
Phase 4 – Profile Creation and Marketing
The profile creation step is the part of the Illinois infant adoption process where you can let your creativity shine. These profiles of waiting families help a birth mother choose the right people to raise her baby.
The profile should reassure her that your family will welcome the baby and provide a stable and nurturing environment. It should reflect your lifestyle, values, and how you will care for the baby.
Compelling profiles have personal photos that show your interests and your family members (and pets, too!). If you’re married and have children, reflect this in your photos. Be sure to showcase your home environment and where the baby will live. A good profile can positively affect your Illinois infant adoption timeline.
The adoptive parent profile is a chance to introduce yourself and share what makes your family unique. Instead of writing what you think a birth mother may want to hear, highlight the qualities that will make you a loving, supportive parent. Share glimpses of your life, values, and what kind of home you hope to provide. Keep it honest and heartfelt: This is the time to let your personality and story shine.
To market the profile, agencies may have printed copies made, or they might promote the profiles on social media and adoption platforms to reach birth mothers. You can also share your profile with friends and family and share it on social media, too.
Phase 5 – Waiting Period and Matching Process
The anticipation of adding a new member to the family may feel like time is standing still. The waiting and matching phase of the infant adoption process in Illinois requires patience and flexibility.
Try to remain hopeful and patient during this period. Having the support of loved ones and adoption networks can help a great deal. Find comfort in your hobbies and restorative activities such as self-care and meditation. It’s also a good time to prepare for the arrival of the little one, such as reading parenting books and continuing your financial planning.
Your adoption agency will show your profile to birth moms who match your preferences (and whose preferences match yours). For example, a birth mother who wants an open adoption won’t be shown to families who are looking for a closed one.
During this time, prepare yourself for meeting your birth mom and consider how you might build a relationship with her.
Phase 6 – Birth Mother Relationship and Communication
Birth mother relationships are essential to the modern infant adoption process in Illinois. Clear communication with your birth mother is essential. Talk about the level of openness you would like from each other during the process.
If your birth mother is still pregnant, be sure to communicate your wishes and find out whether her wishes match during the pregnancy and post-birth phases. For instance:
- What type of communication does she prefer?
- Can you join in on doctor’s visits?
- Is she willing to share special pregnancy milestones, such as anatomy scans?
- How will the birthing process work, and how much involvement is expected from you?
- Does she want to spend time with the baby after the birth?
- Will the agency handle the after-birth period, or is she comfortable with the adoptive parents coming to meet their baby in the room?
- Would she like updates after the adoption, and if so, how would she prefer to receive them?
Be open and honest about your expectations, but also be willing to compromise on some decisions. This is a very emotional process for your birth mother, and you may have to brace yourself for possible changes until the baby has been placed with you.
Phase 7 – Hospital and Birth Procedures
The baby’s birth is one of the most exciting Illinois newborn adoption steps. Hospital procedures during the infant adoption process in Illinois require careful coordination and sensitivity.
The birth plan ensures that everyone knows what the expectations are for the day. Discuss who is allowed in the delivery room and whether your birth mother wants visitors. Find out what the hospital protocols are in terms of allowing adoptive parents access to the baby.
While this can be a good time to start bonding with the baby, it’s also important to respect your birth mother and give her the time and space to heal. Birth is an emotional and deeply personal experience, and being mindful of everyone’s feelings can help the day unfold more smoothly.
Keep in mind that this is only a general outline; plans may shift. A social worker might be delayed, or your birth mother may change her mind about certain things, like having you in the delivery room or sharing a room afterward.
The best approach is to go in without set expectations. Instead, try to focus on being present, loving, and supportive of your birth mother, whatever the day brings.
Phase 8 – Legal Procedures and Consent Process
Before the adoptive parents can take custody of the baby, a specific order of proceedings must be followed:
- The birth parents need to relinquish their parental rights
- A court order is issued to start the final adoption process and grant temporary custody to the adoptive parents
- A final hearing is held, and the adoption order is granted (about six months after the adoptive parents have taken custody)
- A revised birth certificate is issued
In Illinois, birth mothers may relinquish their parental rights 72 hours after birth. If the baby has been medically cleared, adoptive parents can take the baby home if they live in Illinois. If they are from out of state, they can return to their hotel or rental.
When a birth mother relinquishes her parental rights and the 72 hours pass, the decision is irrevocable. The process is witnessed and legally binding. She doesn’t need to sign anything when the 72-hour mark arrives. We always encourage birth mothers to take all the time they need to feel comfortable with whatever they decide.
If your birth mother is from another state, parties need to follow the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children Act (ICPCA). This needs to be resolved before the baby is transported across state lines.
Birth Fathers in Illinois
Legal consent procedures in the infant adoption process in Illinois protect all parties’ rights. This means that the birth father also has rights to consider. Birth fathers may sign a Surrender of Unborn Child for Purposes of Adoption (Unborn Surrender) or Consent to Adoption of Unborn Child (Unborn Consent) before the baby’s birth.
In Illinois, a man who believes he may be the father of a child may officially claim parental rights by registering with the state’s putative father registry. To establish those rights, he must register (ideally before the child’s birth or within 30 days after).
Otherwise, his ability to contest the adoption may be limited. This registry helps ensure that a father who wants to be involved in the child’s life has a way to do so, while also providing clarity for the adoption process.
If the father changes his mind, he needs to inform the court in writing within 72 hours of the child’s birth. If these documents weren’t signed before the birth, the birth fathers need to wait at least 72 hours after the birth to relinquish their parental rights.
Phase 9 – Post-Placement Period and Supervision
Placement and post-placement are when you finally get to have all the snuggles and cuddles with your baby, but there’s still work to be done. One Illinois adoption process requirement is that licensed home study agencies must conduct a series of in-person visits with the adoptive parents and child during the following six-month period.
Post-placement supervision in the infant adoption process in Illinois ensures successful family adjustment. The law makes provision for additional contacts if the agency requires it, and at least one contact needs to take place in the adoptive parent’s home.
It’s important to know that the adoption process continues after placement. Keep in contact with your caseworker, as they can connect you with adoption networks and resources.
Phase 10 – Adoption Finalization and Legal Completion
The final adoption hearing takes place around six months after placement. It won’t happen any sooner, as the court needs to be satisfied that the child is in a suitable environment.
To complete the very last of the steps in the Illinois newborn adoption process, adoptive parents need to present the court with:
- A petition for adoption
- Valid state photo identification of the adoptive parents
- Case management order
- Interim order
- Affidavit in support of the petition to adopt
- Background checks
- Service of the petition and checking of the putative father registry
- Termination of parental rights
Once the courts are satisfied with the placement, a judge orders a judgment of adoption. This legally transfers parental rights to the adoptive parents. After this, the baby is issued a new birth certificate, and the original birth record is sealed.
After the adoption goes through, it’s time to celebrate. Many courts allow for the celebration to take place in court, especially on National Adoption Day in Illinois.
Timeline Expectations and Variables
Timeline planning for the infant adoption process in Illinois helps families manage expectations. While it’s important to manage these expectations and work through each step diligently and patiently, a typical adoption timeline takes between 6 and 24 months. While some cases may take more than 24 months to conclude, it’s not often the case.
Some of the factors that may affect your Illinois infant adoption timeline include:
- Your adoptive parent profile: The information might be sparse, there are no photos, or your requirements might not be clear. A strong profile that ticks all the boxes might have a positive effect on birth mothers, and you may have multiple matching opportunities.
- Birth mother preferences: In most cases, birth mothers are looking for a meaningful connection with the adoptive family. Is there a sense of trust, understanding, and emotional alignment? This can impact wait times; a connection is something that can’t be manufactured or predicted.
- Rush placements: While last-minute placements aren’t typical, the timeline may shorten slightly. For instance, when a birth mother matches with adoptive parents close to her due date, or the due date moves. While placement might happen quickly, it can only take place once there’s a valid home study on file.
Financial Planning Throughout the Process
Adoption costs can ramp up quickly, especially when it takes an unexpected turn or two. Financial planning throughout the infant adoption process in Illinois prevents surprises and ensures readiness.
Here are a few tips to help you take control of your finances.
Expected Costs
Some of the expected costs during adoptions include:
- Attorney and legal fees, estimated between $6,500 and $15,000
- The home study, estimated between $1,500 and $3,000
- Hospital delivery costs, estimated between $5,000 and $15,000
Other expenses to consider include your birth mother’s support costs, travel costs, and preparing your home environment to create a safe space for your baby.
Unexpected Costs
Sometimes, unexpected events happen, and you need to fill in the gaps. Additional costs may arise if the birth mother or baby experiences medical complications, or if unexpected legal matters come up.
There’s no need to navigate finances on your own. Some companies provide adoption loans to assist, especially when you’re thrown a financial curveball. It’s also worth noting that adoptions carry tax benefits, too.
Emotional Preparation and Support Systems
Adoptions are filled with joy and excitement, but you may also face challenging emotions while you wait. Emotional preparation is crucial for navigating the infant adoption process in Illinois successfully. Establish routines that can help boost your mood and keep your focus. Join support groups and practice stress management techniques.
Keep your support group close, as the extra encouragement can go a long way during the process. Professional counseling is also there to help support your mental health now and during the post-placement phase.
Illinois-Specific Legal Considerations
Specific state laws governing the infant adoption process in Illinois ensure proper legal procedures. Here are the basic Illinois adoption process requirements:
- The adoptive parents need to be at least 21 years old. However, Angel Adoption takes applications from adoptive parents aged 25 and older.
- They need to have lived in Illinois for at least six months before applying for the adoption process.
- There are no restrictions on same-sex couples.
- Married couples need to adopt together, unless they’ve been separated for more than 12 months.
- Adoptive parents need to be of good character and have a good reputation. They also need to pass the criminal and background checks. It’s worth noting that having a criminal record doesn’t exclude people from adopting.
Illinois is a closed state where adoptions are concerned. Once an adoption is granted, the birth parent’s information becomes a sealed record with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
It’s also worth noting that, while it’s possible to share an attorney, it might be in everyone’s best interest if birth parents and adoptive parents secure their own legal counsel.
Experience a Step-by-Step Adoption Process
The adoption process can be a tremendously fulfilling experience, even in all its complexity. After all, there’s the reward of adding a precious life to your home. Work through each stage diligently and know what to expect in terms of costs, timelines, and requirements.
Successfully completing the infant adoption process in Illinois brings families together forever. At Angel Adoption, we’d love to take these steps together and help you with our expert and compassionate guidance.
Angel Adoption has helped hundreds of Illinois families complete their families through adoption over the past 27 years and counting. Our highly qualified team provides comprehensive support from application to finalization and beyond.
Begin your adoption process today and take the first step toward bringing your baby home.
