There are many children in Illinois in need of a good home and there are many families who want to have families. In other circumstances a child’s biological parent is no longer capable of caring for their child and another family member decides to care for them instead. In both types of situations, adoption is a very good way to accomplish this goal. Adoption grants the new parents the legal parenting rights of child and officially makes the child a part of the family.
However, before an adoption can occur, there are a number of requirements that must be met. The first is that the adoptive parents must file a petition with the court. This petition states the names and address of the adoptive parents, information about the child as well as the child’s biological parents, the child’s relationship to the adoptive parents and other information.
Filing the petition is just the start of the process though. The next step is an investigation by an approved child welfare agency. The appointed agency must investigate the allegations in the petition. This investigation includes whether the parents are fit to adopt, whether the child should be adopted by adoptive parents, the religious background of the adoptive parents as well as their character and reputation. The investigation also includes criminal background checks. Generally, it is to determine whether the adoption should actually occur.
Adoption in Illinois can be very good occasions for both the adoptive parents and the child. Many times the parents are able to start or add to their family and the child gets to go to a loving home. However, prior to the adoption, a child welfare agency must conduct an investigation to ensure that the adoption will be a good fit for both the child and the adoptive parents. The whole adoption process can be complicated and time consuming. Experienced attorneys understand this process though and may be able to guide one through the process.
Source: Illinois General Assembly, “750 ILCS 50/6” accessed on May 4, 2015