Start Your Journey This National Adoption Month
November is National Adoption Month — a time to celebrate families formed through adoption and recognize the children waiting for permanent homes.
Right now, almost 7,800 children are in Illinois foster care, excluding relative placements. Adopting from foster care in Illinois can be a meaningful way to build your family while giving a child the stability and love they deserve.
If you’ve been thinking about adoption, you might have questions about the process, requirements and what to expect. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Illinois foster care adoption. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to take the next step, contact us to learn how we can support your journey.
Can You Adopt From Foster Care in Illinois?
Yes, you can adopt from foster care in Illinois. There are two primary pathways:
- Adopting a child who is already legally eligible for adoption
- Fostering to adopt with the possibility that the child may be eligible for adoption in the future
It’s important to understand that the primary goal of Illinois foster care is always reunification with biological parents. If a child’s biological parent has not yet terminated their parental rights, there’s no guarantee the child will become available for adoption. But when reunification isn’t an option, adoption becomes the path forward.
Can You Adopt an Infant From Foster Care?
It is possible to adopt an infant from foster care. However, most children who are eligible for foster care adoption in Illinois are older children or sibling groups. This happens because parents typically intend to raise their children but may face significant challenges as time goes on. Families hoping specifically for an infant may want to explore multiple adoption pathways.
Breaking Down Foster Care Adoption Requirements in Illinois
To adopt through foster care, you’ll need to meet specific legal requirements to adopt from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Illinois has established these guidelines to ensure children are placed in safe, stable homes.
Here’s what you need to know about Illinois’ foster care adoption requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Marital Status: Single individuals, married couples and unmarried couples can all apply.
- Housing: You need adequate space in your home, but you don’t need to own property.
- Income: You must demonstrate financial stability, though there are no specific income requirements.
- Background Checks: All adults in the household must pass criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks
- Health: You’ll need to show you’re physically and emotionally capable of caring for a child.
- Training: You must complete the required pre-service training (typically 27 hours).
How to Adopt Through Foster Care in Illinois
Understanding how foster to adopt works in Illinois can help you feel prepared for what’s ahead. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Fill out an interest form through DCFS.
Start by contacting DCFS and expressing your interest in becoming a foster or adoptive parent. This can be an exciting and nerve-wracking step.
Step 2: Become a licensed foster parent.
If you meet the basic requirements, you’ll complete mandatory training and undergo a comprehensive home study. The home study includes interviews, home visits and reference checks. Once approved, you’ll receive your foster care license.
Step 3: View profiles of children eligible for adoption.
The Heart Gallery of Illinois features profiles of children waiting for families. You can also work with your licensing worker to identify potential matches.
Step 4: Foster to adopt.
When a potential match is identified, you’ll meet with the child’s team to learn about their needs, history and personality. If everyone agrees it’s a good fit, the child will be placed in your home. Illinois requires at least six months of foster care placement before finalizing an adoption. This transition period gives everyone time to adjust and build trust.
Step 5: Finalize the adoption in court.
After the required foster period, you’ll petition the court to finalize the adoption. A judge will review your case and, if everything is in order, grant the adoption decree. This is when the child legally becomes part of your family.
Can You Adopt From Foster Care Without Fostering?
Technically, no. You can’t adopt from foster care without fostering. Even when a child is eligible for adoption, Illinois requires at least six months of foster care placement before the adoption can be legally finalized. This transition period gives children time to settle in, helps families identify any support needs and ensures the adoption is in the child’s best interest.
How Long Does Foster Care Adoption Take, and How Much Does It Cost?
Foster care adoption is designed to be accessible. Here’s what you need to know about timing and costs:
Timeline: The process varies significantly depending on individual circumstances. Becoming licensed typically takes three to six months from your initial inquiry. If the child is already eligible for adoption, you might finalize within a year. If you’re fostering with the intent to adopt, the timeline depends on the child’s case and whether reunification with their biological family is possible.
Costs: Foster care adoption is often low-cost or free. DCFS will cover the costs of adopting from foster care (including legal fees and court costs). After adoption, the children also qualify for ongoing subsidies to help with their care. These subsidies (Adoption Assistance Agreements) will be reviewed with you by your attorney before the adoption.
Understanding the Emotional Realities of Adopting From Foster Care in Illinois
Adopting from foster care is beautiful and challenging in equal measure. Children in the system have often experienced trauma, loss and instability. They may have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
As an adoptive parent, you’ll need patience, resilience and compassion. Your child may have behavioral challenges, attachment difficulties or ongoing therapy needs. They may grieve their biological family even while embracing yours.
This doesn’t mean they won’t love you or that you’ve made the wrong choice — it means they’ve been through something difficult, and healing takes time.
Preparation is key. Take advantage of training opportunities, connect with other adoptive families and be honest with yourself about what you can handle. DCFS and contracted private agencies offer free post-adoption support services to help families navigate these challenges.
Is Foster Care Adoption Right for Me and My Family?
Only you can answer this question. Here are some important considerations:
- Age Preferences: Are you open to adopting older children, or do you have your heart set on a younger child?
- Special Needs: Many children in foster care have physical, emotional or developmental needs. Are you prepared to support a child with special needs?
- Sibling Groups: Many children are available for adoption as sibling groups. Keeping siblings together is a priority for DCFS, but it requires more resources and flexibility from families.
- Uncertainty: If you choose to foster with the intent to adopt, can you handle the possibility that the child might return to their biological family?
Foster care adoption isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you’re honest with yourself and make a decision that’s right for your family and any child you might foster or parent.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Adopt From Foster Care in Illinois?
Yes, you need an adoption lawyer to adopt from foster care. DCFS covers attorney fees and court costs as part of the adoption subsidy. Your foster care adoption attorney will review the subsidy agreement, ensure your rights are protected and represent you in court for the finalization.
At Gillespie Law Group, LLC, we’ve guided many Illinois families through foster care adoption. We understand the unique legal and emotional aspects of these cases, and we’re here to answer your questions and ensure everything moves forward smoothly.
Ready to Adopt From Foster Care in Illinois?
Adopting from foster care in Illinois is a journey of hope, love and resilience. Whether you’re just beginning to explore this option or you’re ready to start the process, Gillespie Law Group, LLC is here to support you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. For more information about our foster care adoption services, visit our practice page.