About The Cradle Adoption Agency

At The Cradle you will find a legacy of excellence, decades of experience, and a reputation for quality education that helps to inform adoption decisions.  

Renowned as one of the foremost adoption agencies in the country, since opening in 1923 The Cradle has helped place more than 14,000 children into permanent, loving homes.  We provide lifelong support for all who are touched by adoption -- birthparents, adopted persons, and adoptive parents.

The Cradle is the only adoption agency in the country with an on-site nursery. It's a safe, neutral place for infants to stay while their parents take the time they need to decide if adoption will be the plan for this child. The nursery also enables The Cradle to place infants whose special medical needs may mean that it takes a bit longer to find them a home that is prepared to help them thrive.  We are committed to finding a loving home for every child entrusted to our care.

In recent years, The Cradle has expanded our scope to include Adoption Learning Partners (ALP), online training for prospective adoptive parents and adoption professionals. Through the power of the internet, ALP has made the thorough training The Cradle is known for convenient and accessible to professionals and families all across the globe.

The Cradle is now extending its reach on the web by connecting Cradle friends and families through Facebook and our Connections Community Forum.

The Cradle is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and The Indiana Department of Child Services. Our Illinois license ID is 005064. Our Indiana license number is 53866.

Julianne S. Tye, President/Executive Director