Domestic Adoption Programs

Domestic Adoption Programs and Services

ACI has four Domestic Adoption programs. Click on the program name below for additional information. 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.

Traditional Adoption Placement (TAP) Program

Through our TAP Program, expectant parents contact ACI to help them create their adoption plan. In most all cases expectant parents choose an adoptive family for their child. In the TAP Program, families continue with ACI after completing their Home Study. ACI then facilitates the adoption placement and provides the necessary post-placement supervision, as required by Illinois law. Placements made through this program are primarily newborns.

Agency-Assisted Adoption Placement (AAP) Program

With the AAP program, prospective adoptive parents have already identified an expectant parent residing in Illinois who is considering placing a child for adoption. This can occur through family/friend connections, social media, or word of mouth. Our agency supports both expectant parents and prospective adoptive parents throughout the adoption process.

Domestic Home Study Only (DHSO) Program

Our agency completes a Home Study for Illinois prospective adoptive parents who are working with other placing resources (agencies and/or attorneys). The home study is both a process and a document. It consists of multiple interviews and a home inspection. The goal of the home study is to evaluate prospective adoptive parents’ ability to provide a safe, loving and supportive home to an adopted child. 

Waiting Child Services (WCS) Program / Adopting from Foster Care

Our agency supports prospective adoptive parents to navigate the various foster care systems throughout the US, including Illinois, by helping them identify and obtain information about children available for adoption. Once matched, our agency will coordinate the process with the agency or sending state.