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Become an Adoptive Parent
Adoption | Become an adoptive parent
Our Approach
We understand that pursuing adoption is a very significant life decision. As you explore your choices, gather information and make decisions, CYFS professional staff members will support you every step of the way. We want you to know you are not alone.
Our qualified Adoption Specialists understand the multitude of questions associated with choosing adoption. To that end, we are passionately committed to working side by side with you as you prepare for the joys and challenges of adoptive parenting. We will provide outstanding step-by-step assistance and support services throughout the adoption process. Our focus is to ensure the best interests of the child are met by educating adoptive families on adoption and adoption-related issues.
No matter which path you choose toward adoption, you will receive guidance from our experienced staff that will prepare you for the lifelong process of adoptive parenting.
Our Adoption Programs
CYFS offers four adoption programs. No matter which path you choose toward adoption, you will receive guidance from our experienced staff that will prepare you for the lifelong process of adoptive parenting.
Our programs include:
- Infant adoption
- Adopt waiting children
- Adoption conversion: adopting a child placed in foster care with you
- Embryo adoption
Our Pledge to You
While each adoption program offers various options, it is important that you know, regardless of the program with which you are working, you can expect us to provide you with a consistent adoption experience. We want you to clearly understand that:
- We provide opportunities, not children.
- The timetable is unique to every situation.
- We cannot predict the future.
- We will be candid in all things.
- We honor your participation in the process.
Our support doesn’t stop when the adoption is final, we take a continued and on-going interest in the adoptive families we work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I adopt from The Center for Youth & Family Solutions?
The first step is to initiate and complete the Adoption Inquiry process. Within 30 days from your initial contact, you will receive a call from your Adoption Specialist to arrange the Inquiry appointment. At this time, you will discuss the programs available, the licensing requirements and the adoption process. Your adoption specialist will also help you consider what adoption program will be the best fit for you and your family.
How long will it take to adopt through The Center for Youth & Family Solutions?
It depends on a number of factors and it varies. In the Infant Adoption Program, birth parents choose the adoptive family for their child. As a result, there is no way to predict the length of time a family will wait.
In the Adopt Waiting Children program, the agency receives a child referral, then works to find the best family for that child. In all circumstances, the amount of time it takes to find, place and prepare for an adoptive placement is largely governed by the best interest of the child involved. Some children need us to work slowly, while others are able to transition more quickly. Again, it is not possible to give an estimate of the length of time.
In the Embryo Adoption Program, most of the timing is directed by the placing agency and the medical professionals. Generally, we can provide the parent training and homestudy for the placing agency within four months.
While much of the timing is not within your control, there are some things the prospective adoptive parent can do to prevent unnecessary delays; such as completing applications and getting homework returned in a timely manner. We will also do our part to prevent delays, but the reality of adoption is that there are parts of this process that are out of our control. We suggest to all families that they use the time during the waiting period to get educated, strengthen interpersonal relationships and prepare for parenting. Keep in mind, the placement of a child in your home marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Prepare now for the next part of your journey.
What is the role of an attorney in adoption?
The role of the attorney for adoptive parents varies slightly, depending on the type of adoption. Generally, for the infant and Adopt Waiting Children programs, the adoptive parents’ attorney should:
- Explain the legal proceedings and the adopting parents’ rights and responsibilities.
- Review the child’s legal status and verify it for accuracy.
- Prepare legal documents and present them to court.
- Represent the family in court.
- File an Adoption Decree and order a new birth certificate for the child.
Are the children available through The Center for Youth & Family Solutions in good health?
All of the children in the Adoption Program have been examined by a physician and given a medical release. Some children have minor medical problems that will require further treatment or surgery, as coordinated by the adoptive parents. Prior to being placed with an infant, adoptive parents are asked to list those medical conditions which are not acceptable to them. All known medical information and birth family medical history is shared with the adoptive family prior to placement. Sometimes children in our Specialized Medically Complex Foster Care Program need adoptive families.
In the infant adoptions, do the open relationships between birth and adoptive parents get confusing for the adopted child?
It has been our experience that when birth and adoptive parents are clear about their relationships, the children are not confused or troubled about the relationships. We encourage both birth parents and adoptive parents to establish strong communication and defined roles while the child is still an infant so that as the child grows, their experience is not confusing to them or their family.
What are post-placement adoption services?
Post-placement adoption services are services offered to the adoptive family to support and encourage a positive adoption environment. Such services may include: adoption support groups; educational workshops; adoption newsletters; annual adoption events, such as National Adoption Month celebrations; search and reunion services; as well as referral services when necessary.
What are my rights and responsibilities as an adoptive parent?
It is very important that prospective adoptive parents understand their rights and responsibilities when beginning their adoption process. In Illinois, all prospective adoptive parents must receive a copy of the Adoptive Parent Rights and Responsibilities documentation. Your CYFS Adoption Specialist will cover this document with you and answer all of your questions regarding your important rights and responsibilities.
What is your adoption grievance policy?
We are committed to providing quality services. Our adoption grievance policy ensures adoption clients are extended the right to lodge a complaint when they are not satisfied with the quality of their services, believe their services have not been provided in a humane and dignified manner, or believe their adoptive rights have been violated. Click here to read the full policy.
