My name is Olga, and my co-worker who can assist families in Spanish is Nydia. Our goal in IL is to assist families with the licensing process and answer any questions or concerns that you may have about adoption or foster care. We will advocate on your behalf and make sure that the agency you’ve been referred to is doing their part. We are here to make sure this experience is as smooth as possible. We are available from the first day of contact until you complete the process.

Contact Information

Adoptions Unlimited

Olga Dotson-Landingham

(312) 346-1516, ext. 224

ol@adoptinfo-il.org

Para información en español, contacte:

Nydia Sanchez

(312) 346-1516, ext. 216

ns@adoptinfo-il.org

Licensing Requirements for Foster or Adoption

An agency will do a criminal background check as well as fingerprinting. The agency will come out to the home to make sure you have adequate space for a child. A physical is required, but don’t worry: You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent! You need to attend 30 classroom hours. If you’re married, your spouse needs to attend these training classes, as well. Yes, many single people foster and/or adopt. The process to become licensed to foster and/or adopt can take anywhere from three to six months to complete.

That's it!

Does it Cost to Foster or Adopt?

Fostering is free.

If you adopt a child from Illinois foster care, adoption is free.

If you adopt a child from foster care in another state, you may encounter some fees, but your family may be eligible for reimbursement of limited nonrecurring adoption-related costs, such as attorney’s fees and court fees, through the child’s state and/or federal options.

Parent Support Groups

Please go to www.adoptinfo-il.org to download an information packet.

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

Please call us at 1-800-572-2390 for agency information.

Information on Children

In foster care, the age range of children can be anywhere from infant to eighteen- years-old. The children in Illinois who are ready to be adopted are generally school-aged children (8 years old and above) and/or part of sibling groups.

There are 19,431 children in foster care in Illinois; 3,347 of these children are waiting for adoptive families.

Upcoming Events

Please call us at 1-800-572-2390 for information about events.