Back to Adoption

A home study is a summary of a family that evaluates their abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and their preparedness to adopt. It will reflect their motivation to adopt, as well as personal characteristics and background (criminal history, CANT record clearance), physical and mental evaluations, summary of training and preparation, parenting skills, marital relationship, home evaluation, financial status, religious affiliation, comments made by references. When successfully completed, there will be a statement of approval at the end.

Back to Top

In order to adopt in Illinois you must be a licensed Adopt Only Foster Home. Once you have completed your adoption we ask that you sign a form to close your license, even if you are planning to adopt again. An open license requires much paperwork and travel. We do not want to raise our fees. A license may be reopened when needed.

Back to Top

When a birth mother decides to proceed with an adoption plan and is ready to choose a family to raise her child, she will be asked about characteristics she desires in the adoptive family for her child. A social and medical history will be received from both birth parents, if possible, including cultural background. Her desires for open, semi-open, or closed relationship with the adoptive family will be considered. All families on the waiting list will be considered for possible placement. After considering her wishes; background information; cultural needs of the child; openness; medical conditions; etc. all families that are appropriate will be shown.

If a birth mother chooses not to select an adoptive family for her child the following policy is followed: She will be asked for any preferences she may have, such as age, professions, hobbies, interests. Social and medical history is received, including cultural background. A staffing of the Caseworker, Executive Director and at least one other qualified staff member will occur to choose the family. All of the above information will be taken into consideration. A survey of all possible prospective families is done. Things considered will be: the longest time on the list; the ages of the adoptive parent/s (with oldest being considered first); the culture and medical needs of the child; the personalities and physical characteristics of the birth parent/adoptive parents; any other information to help.

Back to Top

The Home Study and Related Adoption Fees and policies, as well as refund policies, are updated at least once a year. Those wishing to adopt can be expected to pay for their home study, a placement fee which includes post placement services and birth parents services, possible living expenses, medical expenses for mother and child that are not paid through other means, and all legal expenses to complete the adoption. If a birthmother has placed her child in temporary foster care to make a decision the adoptive parents would pay ICM for this care ($30 daily for up to 30 days). The home study and placement fee are paid to Illini Christian Ministries. Living expenses are arranged through the couple’s lawyer and approved in court, including the method of payment. None of these monies will go through ICM. Any legal fees will be paid directly to the provider. Medical expenses are paid directly to the provider of service. The total expense for a domestic adoption through ICM is generally less than $15,000.

Back to Top