REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FROM CLOSED FILES

and

SEARCH SERVICE

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services offers service to adoptees, adoptive parents and guardians of minors and birth family members seeking information from their closed IDCFS files and/or search service. These services are also available to individuals who were under the guardianship of DCFS but were never adopted. The Department has contracted with MIDWEST ADOPTION CENTER to provide this program. There is no fee for this service.

Who may use this program?

If the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was involved in the completion of the adoption or in the provision of foster care, there may be records available through IDCFS. The following individuals may request service:

· adopted person, (over the age of 18 may request file information, over the age of 21 may request search service)

· adoptive parent(s) of a child who is under the age of 21

· guardian(s) of a child who is under the age of 18

· birth parent(s) of a child who was adopted

· birth sibling of a person who was adopted

· other birth relative of a person who was adopted

· person who was a ward of DCFS but never adopted (in foster care or institutional care)

· professionals providing service to an individual party to an adoption completed through DCFS or who was under the guardianship of DCFS but never adopted

Requests for Information From Closed IDCFS Files

Adult adoptees and adoptive parents of a minor requesting non-identifying information will receive a written summary of the data found in the file(s). The amount and type of information in Department files varies from very little to extensive recording of social and medical history. All information specified to be released under current Illinois law will be provided if it is available. The law does not permit the agency to release identifying information such as names, addresses and social security numbers without the written consent of the other person. “Non-identifying information” given to adoptees and adoptive parents of a minor child may include the following:

1. Data about biological relatives, including:

Parents’ general appearance

Parents’ age at the time of the birth of the child

Parents’ race and ethnic heritage

Parents’ religion

Parents’ education

Parents’ talents, hobbies and interests

Parents’ occupation

Existence of any siblings born to the biological parents

Information about biological grandparents, including reason for

immigrating to the U.S. and country of origin

Relationship between the biological parents

Detailed medical history of parents and other significant relatives

2. A description of the circumstances leading to the adoption

3. Birth history

4. Record of placements prior to adoption

Non-identifying information concerning a child placed for adoption can be given to a birth parent as follows:

· birth date and birth history(medical)

· growth and development prior to the termination of parental rights

· the child’s placement history prior to termination of parental rights

A birth parent may request non-identifying information concerning the current well being of the child when the child is a minor. A search will be initiated in order to request information from the adoptive parents concerning the child. Any information obtained may only be given to the birth parent with the consent of the adoptive parent. No information concerning the adoptive family can be given without their consent even if it would be considered non-identifying.

An adult who was a ward of IDCFS but never adopted may request all information found in Department files which pertains to him/her self. All other names and information pertaining to other individuals (even family members) cannot be included without that person’s signed consent.

Requests for Search Service

Each person may request a search for ONE biological relative through this program. If that relative is not located, is found to be deceased or chooses to not respond to the outreach, a search for one additional relative may be initiated. Birth parents may request a search for all children placed, including a minor child; however contact will be first made with the adoptive parent(s) who must give consent in writing. If the adopted person is over the age of 21, contact may be made directly with him/her and the consent of the adoptive parent(s) is not required.

Individuals requesting search service may only want information from a biological relative, may want to communicate with the relative while not revealing his/her identity, or may be seeking a face-to-face reunion. Program staff will utilize the information available in DCFS records as well as any information provided by the person searching to attempt to locate and establish contact with the biological relative.

If the relative is located, MAC staff will explain to him/her the reason for the contact and what is being requested. Every attempt will be made to negotiate an arrangement that is comfortable for everyone. No identifying information will be released without the written consent of both parties. This program is not intended to provide in-depth counseling.

Procedure for requesting service

Individuals requesting service should complete a Service Request form.

If you are an adoption professional requesting service on behalf of your client, click here.

Return to:

IDCFS Post-adoption Program

Midwest Adoption Center

3158 South River Road - Suite 120

DesPlaines, Illinois 60018

Phone: (847) 298-9096

Fax: (847) 298-9097

Email: mac@macadopt.org