There are many ways for people to grow their families. Adoption is one of them. Couples who do not have children of their own or who want more children in their households may seek to adopt children through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
There are thousands of children in need of safe homes across Illinois, and there are many individuals and couples who could provide those children with safe, loving homes. Legal adoption allows those who want to expand their families to establish a mutually-beneficial arrangement for themselves and children in need of care.
The adoption process is relatively complex, and aspiring adoptive parents often need help navigating the system. The three requirements below are important elements of a successful DCFS adoption in Illinois.
A home study
Those who apply to adopt a child have to prove that their families can provide appropriate support and that their living arrangements can meet the child’s basic needs. A home study involves professionals coming out to the parents’ property and talking with everyone who lives there, including other children.
A thorough background check
Most people look to adopt out of love and goodwill, but there are some bad actors who might abuse children placed in their custody. As such, the DCFS generally requires a very thorough background check before they agree to place a child in a home. The adults seeking to adopt have to undergo a background check. Older children living in the home and any other adults living in the house also have to undergo a background check. Certain types of criminal convictions, including child abuse and sexual offenses, can render individuals ineligible for adoption.
The consent of the child
Many adoptions involve infants. However, families hoping to adopt quickly or to have the maximum positive impact on a child might choose to adopt older children. Teenagers generally have to provide express consent to an adoption. Once a child reaches 14 years of age, they have to agree to the adoption for the courts to finalize it. Younger children may also provide input, provided that they are sufficiently mature to do so.
There are many steps involved in adoption and specific paperwork that parents must file. Aspiring adoptive parents often need assistance learning about the process and navigating the various steps required to adopt a child. Retaining the support of an attorney familiar with DCFS adoptions can help families navigate what can be an intimidating process.
