Rockford Adoption & Foster Care Resources

As one of the largest cities in Illinois, Rockford has a lot to offer – including adoption services for hopeful families and expecting mothers. If you are looking to adopt or place a baby in Rockford, this page will provide you with information on local adoption agencies, foster care professionals, home study providers, and anything else you may need.
For more information on the adoption process in your area, see our Illinois adoption information.

Adoption Agencies and Professionals in Rockford

Prospective birth parents and hopeful adoptive families should work closely with an adoption professional throughout the process. This professional will provide education, counseling and the adoption services you need to complete your adoption.
If you would prefer to work with a local or regional agency, consider the following Rockford adoption professionals:

• Children’s Home and Aid
• Catholic Charities
• Bradley R. Tengler, Inc.
• Mariett Legal

Rockford Foster Care Resources

Foster care programs, requirements and processes vary depending on state laws. In Illinois, the requirements for foster parents include:

• Pass a criminal and fingerprint-based background check
• Pass a home inspection
• Submit a physical and other medical information
• Attend 27 hours of training

Some agencies have additional training or requirements for the parents they work with. Contact a local foster care agency for more information about the process to become a foster parent in Rockford:

• Our Children’s Homestead
• Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
• Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley

Home Study Providers

All prospective adoptive families must complete a home study. It is recommended that you begin the process as soon as possible, as it can take up to a few months and you must complete it before you can move forward in your adoption.
For your home study, you will need to contact a licensed social worker to conduct a background check, a home inspection, and interviews with you and your family. To begin the process or inquire further, contact one of the following Illinois-licensed home study providers:

• Adoption Center of Illinois
  1-800-676-2229
  The Adoption Center of Illinois provides Illinois-compliant home studies to families working with them or any other agency.
• ABC Counseling and Family Services
  309-451-9495 ext. 108
  A licensed, not-for-profit agency, ABC Counseling and Family services offers home study services as well as counseling for adoptive parents anywhere in the state.
• Mary’s Services
  847-870-8181
  With over 100 years of experience, St. Mary’s has helped countless couples complete their home studies and post-placement assessments.

Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about Illinois home study providers.

Hospitals near Rockford

As the baby’s due date draws closer, it is up to the expectant mother to create a hospital plan for her stay. If you are making an adoption plan for your baby, this will be your opportunity to decide who is in the delivery room with you, how much time you will spend with your baby and the adoptive family, and more.
When you are ready to begin planning your hospital stay, your adoption agency will work with the delivery hospital to make them aware of your wishes. Here are some Rockford locations that you may be able to work with:

• Mercy Health 
  2400 North Rockton Avenue
  Rockford, IL 61103
  815-971-5000
• OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
  5666 East State Street
  Rockford, Illinois 61108
  815-226-2000
• Swedish American
  1401 East State Street
  Rockford, IL 61104
  779-696-4400

Illinois Adoption Laws and Requirements

Some of the most common questions for couples and individuals considering adoption in Rockford are about local adoption laws and regulations. Adoption laws are determined by the state and are the same in Rockford as they are anywhere else in the state.
The following provides an overview of the types of laws and regulations in place in Illinois. More detailed adoption law information is available on our Illinois adoption page.
Birth Parents:
For prospective birth parents, some of the most important adoption laws are those regarding consent and relinquishment. Illinois statutes regulate who must consent to an adoption, when and how consent can be executed, and more. This information and other Illinois birth parent laws can be found at the Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Adoptive Families:
In Illinois, there are laws in place regulating who is eligible to adopt, what expenses an adoptive family is permitted to pay, the types of adoption professionals who may advertise or facilitate an adoption, and more. To learn about your eligibility to adopt, review your state’s adoption laws and speak with your adoption professional about additional requirements they may have.

County Court Information

Rockford adoptions must be finalized in court which will usually take place around six months after you take your child home. If you are adopting in Rockford, Illinois, visit your county website for details about proceedings in your county and additional information.

Things to Do in Rockford

As adoptive parents, you may find yourself in the Rockford area during the adoption process to visit your baby’s birth parents or wait for ICPC clearances. If you are looking for ways to spend your time in Rockford before returning to your home state, here are some of the top attractions in the area:

• Discovery Center Museum
• Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens
• Magic Waters
• Burpee Museum of Natural History