What Basic Rights Do Adoptive Parents Have in Illinois?

 Posted on September 13, 2019 in Adoption

The decision and privilege to pursue adoption is an exciting, gratifying path when you desire to expand your family. More than ever before, today’s adoption services offer new parents opportunities to share their life with a child who is in need of a good home. However, adoption proceedings are complex and require serious preparation in order to navigate them successfully. For the sake of all parties involved, it is important to understand the legal aspects to make the adoption experience as seamless as possible.

Know Your Rights

It is not uncommon for new parents to feel instantly overwhelmed the moment they begin the adoption process. From selecting an agency to the application and paperwork, it can be difficult to know where to start. One of the most important ways you can get off on the right foot is to inform yourself of your basic rights as a new adoptive parent. What do you have a say over? What resources are available to you? Should you run into roadblocks, what rights do you have to protect your best interests?

The following are some basic rights every adoptive parent is entitled to in Illinois:

• The right to know where your money is going: It is standard for potential adoptive parents to receive a written schedule of agency fees and a copy of the agency’s annual report, as well as its refund policies.

• The right to non-identifying information: You should receive a written report that details any known non-identifying information about the child you are adopting, including the date and place of birth, conditions or diseases that you need to be aware of, and immunization records.

• The right to details about the biological parents: You are entitled to know the biological parents’ ages, ethnicities, hobbies, interests, and general physical appearances. If available, you should also receive information on their occupations, their religious affiliations, or their educational backgrounds.

• The right to a comprehensive medical history: Along with a list of any medications or drugs the biological mother took during pregnancy, you are also entitled to any available details regarding the child and their biological parents’ health history, such as behavioral issues and physical or psychological illnesses. These are all factors that will influence how you care for the child presently and in the future.

Contact a Lombard, IL Family Law Attorney

Adoption is a wonderful way to start or expand your family, and it can be life-changing for everyone involved. However, the process can be complicated, and it may take a long time to finalize. It is important to choose a skilled professional you trust who has the knowledge necessary to guide you confidently through this journey. Consult with a qualified DuPage County adoption lawyer at A. Traub & Associates. We have handled many adoption cases, and we can help you achieve your dream of becoming a parent. Call our office today at 630-426-0196 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

http://dph.illinois.gov/adoption/brochure.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/notices/Documents/CFS_403-D_Adoptive_Parents_Rights_and_Responsibilities_in_Illinois.pdf