Aoption In Illinois?

Question

Does anyone know anything about the cost and the time it takes to adopt a foster child in IL? I am 21 and my husband is 24, and we want to adopt a 17 year old girl that we know very well, who is stuck with a foster family who is very mean to her. Please tell me everything you know about this! Thanks.

Answer 1

I’m really not sure you would be able to because of her age, you see most adoptions regulations I have come across require the adopters to be a certain number of years older then the adoptee. From what I’ve seen it’s typical at least 10 to 15 years. I don’t think a 4 and 7 year age difference would be enough.  If her foster family treats her badly she should talk to her social worker and get moved to a new foster family. Of course once she turns 18 then if you all still wanted to adopt you probably could since she would then be a legal adult.

You might check here. http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/index.shtml

Answer 2

I doubt you'd be able too with the ages.  In Wisconsin you must be at least 15 years older than the child you adopt.  and as the others said, if she's 17, have her wait it out till she's 18 and she can live wherever she wants.

Answer 3

all I know is that Illinois is very strict.....you must have impeccable record,s , show that you can afford a good life & residance for the minor , & that they take their sweet time addressing the matter........buy the time they finish the minor may be 18 & can then go where she please,s....good luck!

Answer 4

Consider gettting certified as foster parents first, then it might be easier.  If her parents are still living, they HAVE to sign off on their rights.  She cannot be adopted until they consent, but you can become foster parents and try to get her that way.  (My parents were foster parents in Indiana, I believe the laws are similar.)

Answer 5

Illinois is not strict.  The requirements are only that you can provide a loving atmosphere. It cost about 1000-1500 dollars for court fees and thats it.  The process takes about six months.  At her age by the time you adopt her she will be 18 and there will be no reason to. If the foster family is mean.  Contact DCFS and try to prove that she should not be living there.