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Adoption | EMBRYO ADOPTION PROGRAM

Embryo
Adoption Program

The Center for Youth & Family Solutions recognizes in the United States there are an estimated 500,000 human embryos in frozen storage. These embryos were created by couples who chose pregnancy through in vitro fertilization. Once these parents have been able to build their family, many are not sure what to do with the remaining embryos. Some will choose Embryo Adoptions as a way to ensure their embryos have a chance to grow up with loving parents in a loving family.
Contact an adoption specialist

The Process

While the actual process of embryo adoption is governed by contract law, adoption agencies are able to assist both the genetic parents and those seeking to adopt an embryo with services that safeguard the transition of the embryo from one family to another. They can also assist with the lifelong commitment to raising a child placed through Embryo Adoption.

The prospective parents work with either an agency or fertility clinic on the actual process of placement. CYFS can assist prospective parents in completing the necessary parent training, counseling, the home-study process and the required post-placement supervision process.

Adoption staff is also available to provide support during the waiting and matching periods.

Contact an adoption specialist

Requirements and Qualities of Adoptive Parents

To be considered for The Center for Youth & Family Solutions Program applicants are required to:

  • Be either a single person or a couple who have been together for at least one year.
  • Possess adequate support from family, friends and the community regarding their decision to adopt.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the mission and core values of The Center for Youth & Family Solutions.
  • Be a stable, law abiding, responsible, mature individual(s), be at least 21 years of age, and be capable of passing a child abuse/neglect and criminal background check.
  • Provide the names of family and unrelated individuals to attest to the applicant’s character. This may also include a priest, minister or other religious leader.
  • Provide sufficient resources to provide basic necessities for themselves and the children to be adopted.
  • Have an understanding of their own sense of personal history and how that helped form their values and beliefs about racial, cultural and religious similarities and differences.
  • Be committed to and capable of serving as a link between the child and their genetic family, regardless of differences.
  • Be in good physical health and agree to have this verified by a physical examination as part of the home study process.
Please note applicant(s) who previously worked with another agency must be willing to sign a Release of Information.
Contact an Adoption Specialist
CYFS Embryo Adoption Program

Adoption Success Stories

Watch as three CYFS families share their story
“Adoption has given us the opportunity to be parents. After years of infertility, we were feeling hopeless in our pursuit of parenthood. However, through infant adoption, we have been beyond blessed as parents. We are thankful for our open adoption. While it can sometimes be a challenge, that relationship is one that can never be replaced.
- Karen and Jeremy, Bloomington -
“Prior to joining the Adopt Waiting Children program, we had been a waiting family for nearly four years in a different agency’s foster adoption program. We were so impressed with the knowledge and support of the entire AWC team. Our training was thorough and our workers listened carefully to us. It was clear by the quality of the match and the advocacy we received throughout the entire adoption process that the professionals assigned to our case had our family’s and our daughters’ best intentions in mind. Our adoption worker, therapists, and supervisor were so supportive! From our first potential placement telephone call to the first home visit to facilitating visits with our daughter’s biological siblings to the surprise placement of not just one, but two wonderful children in our home – we felt 100% prepared and nurtured by the capable AWC staff.”
- Alli and Dan, Rock Island -
“The Adopt Waiting Children Program gave me the family I was never going to have otherwise. The support I received from the adoption staff was awesome.”
- Michelle, Peru -
“The agency’s adoption workers and birth parent counselors do a wonderful job at helping everyone understand the adoption process. Our adoption worker was always available to listen and help us whether that was in the very beginning when we first were considering adoption or when we were placed with our daughter. The staff continues to support you even after your placement. They are truly committed to each child and each adoptive family.”
- Jim and Darcy, Ottawa -
“The experience we had with the staff at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions was wonderful. We were treated respectfully and always felt our worker listened and understood us. The waiting period can be challenging but the agency support groups and special events helped us learn more about adoption, develop relationships with other adoptive parents and use our waiting time to really prepare for our role as adoptive parents. We would recommend the agency to anyone considering adoption.”
- Grant and Susan, Peoria -
“We cannot say enough about CYFS! Our family collaborated with CYFS and welcomed twins home July 2021. The process was smooth, flexible and supportive. Adie, our Adoption Specialist, is amazing! She will forever hold a special place in our hearts and in our family. Adie was there every step of the way and made the process and transition one full of joy. If adoption has been placed on your heart, CYFS is an excellent agency to align with.”
- Austin and Jamie, LaSalle -
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