It doesn’t matter how far along you are—it’s never too early or too late to reach out to us. When you’re ready, we can set up a time for you to meet with one of our counselors, at a place convenient to you.
Your Cradle Counselor will serve as your guide throughout your home study, educational workshops, and placement. Our commitment to you is lifelong—we want your child and your family to thrive.
The Cradle hosts webinars, courses and workshops to help families, professionals and community members increase their understanding of adoption and parenting.
It doesn’t matter how far along you are—it’s never too early or too late to reach out to us. When you’re ready, we can set up a time for you to meet with one of our counselors, at a place convenient to you.
Your Cradle Counselor will serve as your guide throughout your home study, educational workshops, and placement. Our commitment to you is lifelong—we want your child and your family to thrive.
The Cradle hosts webinars, courses and workshops to help families, professionals and community members increase their understanding of adoption and parenting.
The Cradle offers families the option to complete their home study with The Cradle and list with different placing agencies. The Cradle’s Agency Assisted Adoption Program is a wonderful choice for many families.
Families who choose the Agency Assisted Program identify a placing agency, typically outside of Illinois, that is licensed within their state and approved by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The Cradle requires the agency be a 501(c)(3) and/or a nonprofit. We provide families who working with us for their home study a list of suggested placing agency, along with a list of suggested questions to ask placing agency to help families identify a placing agency that might be the best fit for them.
Schedule a free 20-minute call with a Cradle staff member to learn more about Agency Assisted Adoption.
Attend an Adoption Information Meeting for an overview of The Cradle’s adoption programs, an introduction to open adoption and an opportunity to ask questions.
Complete and return registration form and registration fee. Click here to learn about Agency Assisted Adoption Program fees.
Meet with your adoption Counselor for your initial consultation.
Learn more about The Cradle’s home study process.
Identify one or more placing agencies while your home study is in process. We provide families who do their home study through us a list of suggested placing agencies, but families can choose an agency not on that list as long as the agency is an accredited adoption agency and a non-profit agency. Learn about the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) process.
Create a profile to introduce your family to expectant parents. Your profile will contain information and photos of yourself, family and friends. This is your first introduction to expectant parents to help them understand what it would be like for their child to live with your family. Each placing agency will have guidelines on how to create a profile.
When matched with an expectant parent out of state, you might need to travel for a Match Meeting. The requirements when you travel for placement vary by state.
Your Counselor will conduct a minimum of three visits within the first six months after placement. The Cradle is a source of lifelong support for your child and your family. We offer support groups, counseling, education and family events.
Click here for frequently asked questions about adopting a child.
Want to speak with someone personally before or after an Info Meeting? Schedule a call with a Cradle staff member.
Call our 24-hour toll-free number to speak to a Cradle counselor
800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534)
Text CRADLE to 66746
Have a General Inquiry?
Call 847-475-5800
Looking to adopt?
Schedule a Call with Cradle Staff
Need Post Adoption Support?
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