Steps to Adoption

The Home Study is the the most important and most time consuming part of the adoption process. This is a necessary part no matter if you are adopting domestically or internationally.

In the state of Illinois, prospective adoptive parents must be foster care licensed.

Parts of the Home Study:

* Application Form

* Application for Family Home License

* Foster Family Home Information

* Authorization for Background Check

* Financial Statement

* Certificate of Child Health Examination (if children in home)

* Physicals

* Tax Forms (most current)

* Driver's License (copy)

* Passport (copy if applicable)

* Water Temperature Agreement

* Pet Vaccination forms

* Foster Home Motor Vehicle Insurance Certification

* Child Supervision Plan Agreement

* Fire Evacuation Plan and Floor Plan

* Fee Schedule Agreement

* Statement of Understanding

* Placement Policy Agreement

* Joint Self Study

* Individual Self Studies

* Training/Education/Group Certificates of Attendance Forms (7+ hours)

Training Courses include but are not limited to: Child Care, Children with Special Needs, Creating a Life Book, etc. Check with your agency, they may offer training sessions.

* Infant/Child CPR Certification

Check with the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross for classes in your area.

* Fingerprints (DCFS and FBI)