Illinois Foster Care Adoption Guidance

In Illinois, foster adoption occurs when an individual or family adopts a child who has been placed in the foster care system. Although beginning as a temporary solution with the goal of familial reunification, foster care can serve as an adoption method so long as the parental rights of the legal parents are relinquished or terminated.

What does the Foster Care Adoption Process Entail?

As required by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the adoptive parent(s) must either be licensed foster parents or be related to the foster child. A licensed foster parent can accept a foster placement at any time. Children are placed with individuals/families based on the foster parent’s circumstances, skills and priorities, though not all children will be available for adoption at the time of their placement.

Once temporary custody is granted, DCFS will appoint a caseworker to:

  • Visit the home to support the foster family and child
  • Work with the foster family throughout the adoption process

Kogut & Wilson L.L.C. adoption attorneys understand foster care adoption looks different for each family.  Schedule a consultation to discuss each individual factor and answer questions that come up along the way.

How long does Foster Adoption take?

The timeline to adopt children in foster care varies case by case. Some children in foster care may not become available for adoption for months or even years after their initial placements. Once parental rights have been terminated, the adoption process can take several months to finalize. During this time, DCFS will retain temporary custody of the child until the process is complete. 

DCFS will pay for any legal services associated with adoption as long as the attorney selected is a part of the Statewide Illinois Adoption Attorney Panel.

Our team of experienced family law attorneys can help individuals and families plan, become licensed in the foster care system and talk through the adoption process with personalized care and dedication.

Get started today and call our offices at (312) 565-4100.