Many people adopt children in Illinois every year. The reasons for the adoption can vary greatly. Sometimes a family member adopts the child of a sibling who can no longer care for the child, sometimes a step-parent wants to adopt a step-child and sometimes parents may just want to start a family and have no other means to do so. In those types of situations, there are many places that people can find children to adopt and one of those places is overseas.
Illinois law makes international adoptions more difficult and time-consuming than many other states. There are already strict federal regulations in place that govern who can adopt internationally. However, in Illinois, the Department of Children and Family Services has an process that requires additional approval of an international adoption.
One Illinois mother tried to adopt two Russian boys, but was told no by Illinois because of the age of one of the boys. She has spoken with lawmakers to seek a change in the law and this action appears to have had an effect on them. A bill changing the law was passed by the Illinois House and Senate and now is awaiting the governor’s signature.
Adoption, in general, can be a very complicated and time-consuming process. There is a lot of paperwork that must be completed correctly to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Failing to follow all the proper steps can lead to delays or possibly rejections. So, it is good that the state legislature has attempted to eliminate one of the hurdles to international adoption.
Many families in Illinois have tried to adopt internationally. Up until this point in time, these families have had an extra hurdle that they must jump over in order to finally adopt an child internationally. Even with the removal of this hurdle, adoption can still be quite complicated. Experienced adoption attorneys understand adoption law and may be able to guide one through the process.
Source: Central Illinois Proud, “Local mom of 6 advocates for better international adoption process” June 3, 2015