Category Archives: Adoption
Adoption and the Holidays
The holiday season has officially begun, and many shoppers have already decided what they are giving their loved ones this year. For some, however, welcoming a child into their home is the greatest gift of all.
Understanding Key Factors About Adoption in Illinois
The decision to adopt a child is an exciting time in one’s life — a time to establish a family or add to one’s family. However, there are several factors in adoption that are overlooked, including the cost of adoption and the types of adoption.
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Same Sex Marriage and Adoption in Illinois
The State of Illinois has since celebrated the legalization of same sex marriage, and have perceived many same sex couples to be great parents. Unfortunately, not enough same sex couples have stepped forward in considering fostering or adopting a child because of how they think they could be perceived by the child or children.
Considering a DCFS Adoption? Know the Process
Adoption can be a joyous and life-changing experience for families. Whether it be an international adoption, domestic adoption, adoption from an extended family, or adoption in a foster care situation, there are legal processes that must be understood and followed.
Adoption establishes you, the adopting parent, as the child’s legal guardian. This means you are granted legal parenting rights and decision-making responsibilities.
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Adopting an Older Child
When a couple makes the decision to adopt, it is both exciting and intimidating, especially if they elect to adopt an older child, as opposed to an infant. However, there are slightly different requirements to fulfill and more things to be aware of if adopting an older child, and it is important to be aware of what will be asked of you.
The Basics of Stepparent Adoption
If you are married to a spouse who has a child from a previous relationship, you understand how complicated and sensitive parenting issues can be. You probably realize that you are not a biological parent to his or her child, but, at the same time, you want to provide a trustworthy, positive adult figure to whom the child can come with problems and concerns. Over time, you may find familial love beginning to develop. In some cases, the love becomes so strong the stepparent is ready to take the steps to become the child’s other legal parent through the process of adoption.
Steps in the Adoption Process
Every year, many Illinois couples choose adoption as a means to grow their families. Under the Illinois Adoption Act, various laws exist to protect adopted children and their families. These laws regulate the five types of adoptions available to Illinois couples and the steps that a family must take to adopt a child.
Adoption: Rights to Your Birth Certificate
If you were adopted or one of your parents was adopted, you might be interested in your biological relatives. Though you may love your adoptive parents or grandparents, there may be a question in the back of your mind regarding those to whom you are related. Or, you may wonder about your genes, family illness or history. You can find this out by requesting a copy of your original birth certificate, which may even put you in direct contact with biological parents, depending on their wishes.
Adopting Children in Illinois
Lots of parents in Illinois choose to expand their families by adopting children. Every family has its own reason for choosing this route and for many, it is a deeply personal and often emotionally-charged decision. Adding a child to your family through adoption can be one of the most rewarding choices you will ever make, creating the parent-child bond that lasts a lifetime and changes a family forever.
Illinois Celebrates 100 Children Helped by Safe Haven Law
In a perfect world, the birth of a child would always be a joyous occasion. New parents would happily share the news with everyone they could as they welcomed the new addition to their family. However, in the real world, many expectant mothers find themselves alone, scared, and totally unprepared for raising a child. This is why in 2001, Illinois passed the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act and through its provisions, over 100 at-risk children have since been adopted into loving homes.
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