Types of Adoption

Domestic Waiting Child Adoption (also known as Special Needs Adoption)

• can be handled through the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (IDCFS) or through private agencies
• child guardianship is held by IDCFS
• adoptive parents can be licensed by IDCFS or by a private agency

Domestic Infant Adoption

• adoptive families are usually licensed by a private agency
• birth parents usually voluntarily relinquish their parental rights
• an agency can take guardianship of a child or the birth parents can grant custody directly to the adoptive parents
• adoption can be handled privately by birth parents, adoptive parents and an attorney
• in private adoption, an adoptive family evaluation (home study) can be completed by a private agency, county probation department or court supportive services and can be submitted to the court at the time of adoption finalization
• the court can allow some birth mother expenses to be paid by the adoptive parents

Inter-Country Adoption

• is handled through private agencies
• requires an Illinois agency to license the family
• the adoptive family and/or agency works with an agency in the other country to arrange the placement and transportation of the child
• the adoptive family may need to travel to a foreign country for an extended stay
• adoption may be finalized in a foreign country and in Illinois
• the process is more complicated and lengthy than in a domestic adoption

Family Adoptions

• involve adoption of a child by a relative
• can be handled privately by an attorney
• an agency may be involved if the relative child is in foster care
• the adoptive family usually does not need a home study
  

Step-parent Adoptions

• are generally handled privately by an attorney