Illinois Open Adoption Guide

Are you living in Illinois and facing an unplanned pregnancy? If so, you may be considering your options. You may be familiar with the general idea of adoption, but less familiar with open adoption. Open adoption offers many benefits for expectant/birth parents. An open adoption in Illinois can feel like the best of both worlds for anyone considering adoption but feeling the heartache of saying goodbye. With an Illinois open adoption, it is not goodbye. It is, in fact, the start of an incredible new beginning.

The first place to start, when considering this journey, is with an Illinois adoption agency. This professional can walk you through the adoption process with the respect and compassion you deserve. You are facing one of the most difficult decisions of your life. Your adoption agency should provide you with the utmost care, dignity, and love.

As you consider your options with this unplanned pregnancy, continue reading. In this short guide, we will highlight what to know about an Illinois open adoption, including how it works and how it may benefit you and your child.

What is Illinois Open Adoption?

Open adoption can look different for each family. To describe this term simply: There is direct and ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families after the adoption is complete. The form and frequency of contact can be determined by you, the expectant/birth parent. You may choose from communication methods such as:

• Email
• Text messages
• Phone calls
• In-person visits

You may choose to use multiple methods of communication. You may decide to reconnect:

• Once/month
• Once/year
• Several times a year

The choices are yours. While the term “open adoption” may sound basic, the truth is that this type of adoption plan can be completely customized to suit your needs, wishes, and comfort level.

How Does an Illinois Open Adoption Work?

An Illinois open adoption plan is a legally binding contract. This means that both parties – birth and adoptive parents – sign this agreement, vowing to honor and respect the terms stated. The contract is drawn up by your selected Illinois adoption agency. With the support of a competent, experienced adoption professional, you can rest assured that your adoption – including the contract – will be handled safely, smoothly, and legally – protecting your rights as a birth parent and upholding your wishes.

Learn More About Open Adoption

While the contract for an Illinois open adoption is legally binding, it can also be changed over the years to accommodate evolving relationships and the changing needs of a growing child. Oftentimes, birth and adoptive family’s bond over their shared love for the same child, and – over the years – the relationships deepen. The best adoption agencies in Illinois will support both parties over the years and help foster positive relationships.

What are the Benefits of Open Adoption in Illinois?

Adoption offers many benefits for birth parents. Choosing to work with an Illinois adoption agency means having the resources to support yourself throughout the adoption journey.

At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth parents planning adoption can receive the following supportive services – at no cost:

• Financial support. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent. We can also cover other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, transportation, food bills, and maternity clothes, as needed.
• Counseling services. Our compassionate counselors are available 24/7 before and – up to a year – after the adoption. Expectant/Birth mothers are urged to pursue and continue counseling throughout the adoption journey.
• Legal support. Our team of Illinois adoption attorneys ensure your adoption is handled legally, walk you through the adoption process, and answer any questions you may have along the way.
• Medical care. We can help you find a midwife or doctor whom you can trust, and cover any uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth, reimbursed after the adoption is complete.
• Adoption design services. We can help you find an adoptive family for your child and custom-build your dream adoption plan. You can choose from open, semi-open, or closed adoption. The choices are all yours.
• Ongoing support. Adoption is a lifelong journey. We continue to check in on our birth mothers long after the adoption is complete.