Adoption Process

If you are considering adoption, the first step is to attend our monthly Program Introduction Meeting.  Pre-registration is required.   In lieu of attending a Program Introduction Meeting, ACI staff is available to prospective adoptive families for individual consultations to address their particular circumstances and adoption preferences. Please email ask@adoptillinois.org to schedule a free consultation. Add which program you would like a consultation for in the subject line.

The first step for all programs is submitting an ACI Application with the Program Phase I fee. Please visit our Program Fees and Documents Page to view detailed fees for each specific program.

Upon receiving your application, a member of our staff will contact you to schedule your Initial Application Interview. Background information and adoption expectations will be discussed at this meeting, as well as the adoption process, training requirements, and paperwork that is required in order to proceed with the Home Study process.

Prospective adoptive parents are required to complete adoption training prior to the Home Study being finalized. For more information, please see program-specific requirements.

Upon submission of all required paperwork, you will be assigned a Home Study Worker. Regardless of the type of adoption you wish to pursue, you will be required to obtain a Home Study. The Home Study is both a process and a document that is designed to assess and prepare you for parenting through adoption. The following information is included in the Home Study report:

• Adoption Preparation and Expectations
• Personal and Family Background
• Physical & Mental Health History
• Education and Work History
• Criminal Background Clearances
• Financial Information
• Marriage History
• References
• Home and community
• Recommendation

Once your Home Study is finalized you can apply to an ACI placing program or begin working with an another adoption agency or attorney.

While waiting for a match or referral we encourage families to continue their adoption education and to attend our community events.

The placement process will vary depending on the program and agency you are working with. All adoptions require post-placement supervision and reports, which will be completed by your Home Study Worker.