Adoption Search & Reunion Services
Adoption | Adoption Search & Reunion Services
Adoption Search & Reunion Services
To learn more about Search and Reunion, please contact Mary Kay Collins at 815-223-4007.

The Process
The Process
Contact the CYFS Search Case Manager
Whether the adoption was completed by CYFS or another agency in the state of Illinois, the first step in the process is to contact the CYFS Search Case Manager. Every search and reunion situation is different, and our staff can provide important information to help the client determine the best way to proceed.
Gather Information
The Search Case Manager will outline the process and services available, and gather information regarding the history of the adoption. We then send the client written materials to review and complete.
Before any information can be released, the client must provide:
- A photocopy of their birth certificate
- Government issued ID
- Notarized letter or note requesting what specific information/services they want – search, reunion, and/or non-identifying social/medical information
- A signed informed consent
- A signed release of information allowing the placing agency to provide The Center for Youth & Family Solutions access to the file
- A signed agreement to pay CYFS for services along with the fee and the adoption registry forms
Processing the Search Outcome
The search process may take several months to complete. During that time, the Search Case Manager is available to provide updates on the search. The Search Case Manager will also help the client process the outcome of the search, which may include:
- Preparing for a reunion
- Coping with not being able to participate in a reunion
- Understanding the next steps of the process
Searches Involving Other Agencies
In addition to searches for adoptions completed through CYFS, we may also be able to assist with searches related to Illinois adoptions involving other agencies that do not provide search and reunion services.Â
In November of 2022, to provide a broader spectrum of post adoption services to their former clients, FamilyCore, formerly known as Counseling and Family Services and Crittenton have transferred their adoption search services of past adoption clients (including adoptive parents, adopted children and birth parents) to The Center for Youth and Family Solutions. While the two agencies will retain ownership of their archival files, the Center for Youth and Family Solutions will conduct all post adoption search and reunion services.
To learn more about Search and Reunion, please contact Mary Kay Collins at 815-223-4007.
