Illinois Resources

Getting Started

• Adoption FAQ
  FAQ sheet about adoption courtesy of DCFS.
• Adoption Process
  Outlines the steps to becoming an adoptive family in Illinois.
• Child Adoption Laws
  Adoption laws for state of Illinois
• Growing Your Family: A Guide for Prospective Adoptive LGBT Families
  Resources include Illinois adoption law, LGBT-specific legal information, domestic adoption process, agency list, FAQs, and more.
• How to Connect With Your Brothers and Sisters
  DCFS provides information on sibling visitation rights.
• LGBT Adoption Laws
  LGBT adoption laws in Illinois.
• Licensed Adoption Agencies
  DCFS compiled a list of licensed private foster care adoption agencies.
• Pre-Service Training Information
  DCFS provides a course schedule to sign up for upcoming 27-hour PRIDE pre-service training classes.
• Public and Private Agency Search
  Public and private foster care adoption agencies Illinois.
• Adoption Information
  Adoption Information by state
• Understanding Illinois Adoption Laws and Policies
  An overview of adoption laws
• Adoption Services
  DCFS provides an overview of adoption services
• Home Study Requirements (See bottom of page for providers)
  Information on the Home study program and requirements

Searching for Children

• Adoption Information Center of Illinois
  Photo listing featuring waiting children in Illinois.
• Heart Gallery of Illinois
  Heart Gallery featuring waiting children in Illinois. Click on the names on the left hand side of the page to visit a child’s profile.
• WWK Recruiters
  Scroll down and click on Illinois to view contact information for Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiters families may contact regarding waiting Illinois children.
• Heart Gallery Of America
  Photo lists of waiting children

Pre-Placement

• ICPC Information
  Provides general information about ICPC process in Illinois, including contact information for state ICPC offices.

Post-Adoption Support & Resources

• Adoption Assistance
  Select Illinois to view more information on adoption assistance in the state of Illinois, courtesy of Child Welfare Information Gateway.
• Adoption Attorney Panel
  DCFS compiled a list of adoption attorneys.
• Guide for Adoptive Parents in Retaining an Adoption Attorney
  A DCFS guide to choosing an adoption attorney.
• Mental Health Providers
  List of mental health providers that partner with DCFS.
• Post-Adoption and Guardianship Services
  Post-adoption services include adoption assistance information, respite care, lending library, day care, ICAMA, and more.
• State Subsidy Information
  NACAC provides general information on adoption subsidies in Illinois.
• Vital Records
  Information on obtaining a birth certificate, the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange, and more.
• Attachment and Trauma Specialists
  A list of local therapists that specialize in working with attachment and trauma related issues.
• Behavioral care treatment centers
  A list of local treatment centers for behavioral care
• Adoption Therapists
  A list of local therapists that specialize in adoption
• Child Care Resources
  A compiled list of child-care resources
• Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Programs
  A list of local treatment centers specializing in child abuse treatment
• Counseling Resources
  A compiled list of counseling resources
• Kid Counseling
  A list of local therapists specializing in treating children
• Kinship Care
  Kinship programs and information
• Medical Resources
  Health and medical resources
• NPEN National Parenting Education Network
  A list of programs by state
• NOFAS FASD Support
  State resources and support group information
• Trauma Counseling
  A list of local therapists specializing in trauma related issues.
• Online Support Groups
  A list of online support group resources
• Post-Adoption Questions and Answers
  Frequently asked questions and answers regarding adoption
• Special Health Care Needs
  Resources for parents of children with special health care needs.

Events and Activities

• Cultural Events
  Events Calendar
• Summer Activities
  A list of activities for kids.

Home Study Service Providers

• Abby’s One True Gift
  Home study service provider
• Adoption Center of Illinois
  Home study service provider
• American Adoptions
  Home study service provider