In Illinois, as well as other U.S. states, open adoption is the norm. Many families have found it a wonderful way to create strong and ongoing relationships between birth parents, adoptive parents, and, most importantly, the child.

In this guide, we’ll walk through every step to pursue open adoption in Illinois, offering insights and tips for each stage. Whether you’re hoping to adopt a child or considering placing a child for adoption, this step-by-step approach can help you understand the process and the unique elements that make open adoption such a valuable path for many.

Understanding Open Adoption and Why It Matters

In open adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents agree to maintain some level of contact, which can range from exchanging letters and pictures to in-person visits, depending on each party’s comfort level. While the plan for openness is not legally binding in Illinois, many families often formalize their plan with a written Post Adoption Contact Agreement.

Although open adoption agreements in Illinois are not legally enforceable, they are founded on trust and mutual respect, emphasizing everyone’s commitment to maintaining contact for the sake of the child.

Open adoption offers emotional and practical benefits for both birth parents and adoptive families. Studies show that children in open adoptions benefit from knowing their birth story and maintaining connections with their biological family, and adoptive parents find reassurance in the ongoing communication. Birth parents also find peace of mind, knowing they can remain part of their child’s life.

Now, let’s break down each step in the process of pursuing open adoption in Illinois.

Key Steps to Open Adoption in Illinois for Hopeful Adoptive Families

Pursuing open adoption in Illinois involves several key steps, each contributing to creating a positive experience for both adoptive and birth families. Here are the steps to guide you through this important process:

Step 1: Researching Open Adoption in Illinois

The first and most important step in pursuing open adoption is gathering information. By researching thoroughly, you can make informed decisions that best suit your family’s needs.
  • Understand State Requirements: Illinois requires that all adoptions go through a formal process involving background checks, home studies, and legal paperwork. Familiarizing yourself with the legal process to adopt in Illinois will help you prepare for what is to come on your adoption journey.
  • Explore Open Adoption Agencies: Working with a licensed adoption agency can be invaluable. Agencies, such as the Adoption Center for Family Building, specialize in open adoption in Illinois and can provide guidance at every stage. They can help with everything from completing your home study, to matching with an expectant parent, to facilitating communication between birth and adoptive families.
  • Attend Informational Sessions or Workshops: Many Illinois adoption agencies offer trainings or workshops to help families understand open adoption. These sessions cover common questions, real-life experiences, and expert insights, providing a comprehensive view of what open adoption involves.

Step 2: Selecting an Adoption Agency in Illinois

Choosing the right adoption agency is key, as your agency provides legal, logistical, and emotional support. Make sure the agency has experience with open adoptions in Illinois and understands the needs of both birth parents and adoptive families. A good agency offers ongoing support, from counseling to post-adoption services, and helps with communication between families. Choose an agency that respects the level of post-adoption contact both sides are comfortable with and can help mediate if needed.

Step 3: Completing the Home Study Process

The home study is an important step for hopeful adoptive families when it comes to open adoption in Illinois. It involves a detailed assessment of the adoptive family’s environment, lifestyle, and readiness. This process includes interviews, background checks, and home visits conducted by a licensed social worker, ensuring the home is safe, stable, and nurturing. Families will need to gather documents like financial and medical records and prepare a welcoming space for the child, demonstrating their commitment.

During the home study, families will meet with a social worker several times. The social worker evaluates the family’s history and readiness, but is not there to judge. Once the home study is complete and approved by the agency, the family is officially eligible to adopt.

Step 4: Matching with a Birth Family

Matching is one of the most emotional and meaningful stages of the adoption process. In open adoption, matching involves an expectant parent finding a connection with a hopeful adoptive family. At this stage, the agency will often facilitate a match meeting where the expectant parent and adoptive family can meet and get to know each other better. In open adoption, it’s common for them to exchange contact information and stay in touch after the match meeting.
  • Getting to Know the Birth Parents: Once a match is made, the adoptive family and birth parents may have opportunities to get to know each other through meetings, phone calls, or video chats. This stage is critical for building trust and establishing a connection that can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
  • Creating an Adoption Plan: After matching, the adoptive family and birth parents work with the agency to create a formal adoption plan. This plan outlines the level of post-adoption contact, including agreed-upon visits, updates, and any additional communication.
  • Discussing Preferences for Open Adoption: Both adoptive families and birth parents will discuss their preferences regarding contact, communication frequency, and boundaries. Agencies facilitate these conversations, helping both sides understand each other’s expectations and come to a mutual agreement.

Step 5: Finalization of the Adoption

Finalizing an adoption requires completing specific legal steps, ensuring that the adoptive family becomes the child’s legal family. This process varies depending on whether it’s an agency adoption or an independent adoption, but both involve essential legal documentation.
  • Termination of Parental Rights: For an adoption to proceed, the birth parents must voluntarily terminate their parental rights or consent to the adoption. In Illinois, this step can only be completed after the child is born. Birth parents should receive counseling to understand their rights and confirm they are comfortable with this decision. Once they determine they would like to move forward, the agency or an attorney will assist them with completing their adoption consent or surrender.
  • Filing Adoption Petitions: The adoptive family’s attorney files a petition for adoption. This petition includes the home study report, the birth parent’s consent, and additional documentation indicating the family’s readiness and desire to adopt the child.
  • Attending the Finalization Hearing: Once all necessary paperwork is filed, the adoption is finalized in a court hearing. This hearing is a celebratory moment, marking the legal completion of the adoption. The judge will issue the final decree of adoption, legally establishing the family relationship.

Step 6: Establishing Post-Adoption Contact

Post-adoption contact is a key element of open adoption, allowing birth and adoptive families to stay connected. This contact can range from annual visits to regular updates through letters or photos, depending on everyone’s preferences. Many agencies help create a communication plan to ensure clear expectations for contact. As the child grows, families may adjust their communication, with agencies providing support to maintain healthy boundaries and trust.

Step 7: Accessing Post-Adoption Support Services

After adoption, both adoptive and birth families can access various support services to help adjust and manage the emotional aspects of open adoption. Counseling, support groups, and workshops are valuable resources that can offer guidance on communication, boundaries, and understanding the adoptee’s perspective. Agencies also provide assistance during future transitions, such as discussing adoption with the child or navigating milestones. These services help maintain a positive relationship between birth and adoptive families, ensuring ongoing support and connection.

Start Your Family with Open Adoption in Illinois

Open adoption gives you a chance to build a lasting, meaningful connection that benefits you, your child, and their birth family. With the right support, you and the birth family can create a positive, loving environment centered on the child’s well-being and identity. Remember, open adoption is flexible—you can create an arrangement based on trust, open communication, and respect.

If you’re considering open adoption in Illinois, whether as an adoptive family or a birth parent, we encourage you to reach out for support. At Adoption Center for Family Building, we specialize in guiding families through the open adoption process and helping them build healthy, lasting relationships. Visit our website for more information or contact us to begin your adoption journey with compassionate support.