Adoption

Adoption | ADOPTION CONVERSION PROGRAM

Adopting a Foster Child Placed with You

The Foster Care program at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions licenses and assists families while they care for children first placed in their home through foster care. When a decision is reached that a child in foster care cannot return to the care of the biological parents, the child’s foster family may be asked to consider becoming the child’s forever family. The transition from being a CYFS foster family to being a forever family through the process of adoption involves the Adoption Conversion Program.

Our Commitment

These next steps can be just as exciting and challenging as those first ones. Our qualified staff understands the joys and questions commonly involved with adoption. To that end, we are passionately committed to working alongside foster parents to prepare them as they become adoptive parents, and ready themselves for the rewards and challenges of adoptive parenting.

The Process

Because adoption is a lifelong commitment to a child, our focus is to ensure the best interests of the child are met by completely educating adoptive families on adoption and adoption-related issues. Adoptive parents in Illinois are required to complete specific training on adoption-related issues.

Adoption and Guardianship Packet Completion and Review

The length of time it takes to complete the adoption and guardianship process depends on many factors. The Adoption and Guardianship Permanency Conversion Specialist must complete an adoption packet that includes current background clearances, and information on the child’s history and needs. The packet is reviewed by the court legal system and DCFS to ensure the best interest of the child is considered.

Preparation for Final Court Hearing

The Conversion Adoption and Guardianship Permanency Specialist will prepare the family and the child for the final court hearing. This includes assessing the child and family’s transition, preparing for future needs of the child and handling specific legal and DCFS paperwork, including subsidy and post-adoption and guardianship resource materials. Usually, there is no cost for finalizing the adoption and guardianship of a child placed in foster care. You may be eligible for a monthly subsidy, a medical card and other possible benefits which assist in defraying expenses associated with raising a child.

Finalization

Once the packet has been approved, the wait time is generally just a few months. Your Adoption and Guardianship Permanency Specialist will track your case status and help with projected time frames on an individual basis.

Resources

To learn more about adopting a child out of foster care visit:

CYFS Adopting a Foster Child Placed with You

Adoption Success Stories

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