Adoption Laws

Adoption is a legal process and requires families to seek the services of a lawyer who specializes in adoption. You can learn how to connect with an adoption attorney in the attorneys portion of our website.

Families can also help themselves by becoming familiar with current adoption laws. Below are links to some of the major state and federal adoption laws, as posted on the web:

Illinois Adoption Act

Illinois Children and Family Services Act (Note: This act created the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. It was amended in 2012 in an effort to strengthen sibling placement and visitation in both foster and adoptive homes.)

Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978

Multi-Ethnic Placement Act of 1994

Federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997

Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008