African American adoptions receive very special attention at The Cradle.

Our Sayers Center for African American Adoption, named after NFL Hall of Famer and Cradle adoptive dad, Gale Sayers, and his wife, Ardythe, is dedicated to finding homes for African American babies. As part of The Cradle's domestic adoption program, families in the Sayers Center and follow the same process steps.

Knowing that adoption is a life-changing, lifelong experience, we stress preparation and education for everyone involved. Your adoption counselor will serve as guide and advocate, assist in your home study and the licensing required by Illinois law.

The Cradle embraces an open adoption philosophy for domestic placements. With the best interests of the child in mind, birthparents and adoptive parents meet and agree to an ongoing relationship. The more you learn about all the benefits of open adoption, the more you may find it's right for you.

You can also talk to other Cradle families online at our new Connections Community Center.

From time to time, The Cradle places children with special medical needs. If you are interested in special needs adoption, review our Special Needs infant adoption information.

To get started, we invite you to attend one of our free informational meetings. Get started with The Cradle today >

IN THE NEWS...

Breaking Through Adoption's Racial Barriers
August 17, 2006, New York Times Article
Read the Times article featuring two of our Sayers Center families, as well as discussing the training we provide to families through our classes and Adoption Learning Partners.

A Personal Story of Transracial Adoption
August, 23, 2006, NPR News & Notes with Ed Gordon
Sarah and Dan Giloth are white. Their 9-month-old adopted daughter, Shelby, is black. The were matched together by The Cradle. The Giloths offer personal observations on transracial adoption -- the joys of parenthood and the challenges of forming a mixed-race family. Listen to the transracial adoption essay >