Many prospective parents rule out domestic adoption under the misguided assumption that this is no longer an option today. At The Cradle, however, domestic adoption is very real option for you. Half of the infants we place each year are through our domestic adoption programs.

Knowing that adoption is a life-changing, lifelong experience, we stress preparation and education for everyone involved. Your domestic 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 adoption placements. With the best interests of the child in mind, birthparents and adoptive parents meet and agree to forge an ongoing relationship. The more you learn about all the benefits of open adoption, the more you may find it's right for you. Continue your learning by joining Cradle families online in our Community Forum.

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.

The Cradle is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA). COA accreditation is both a significant achievement and a powerful promise. It means that we have met rigorous internationally recognized standards of excellence in the quality of services and organizational operations.

In 2008, The Cradle was among a select group of agencies in the US to receive a 5-year COA accreditation status with respect to the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption. This 5-year accreditation term, the highest level granted, reflects the quality of our practice and continued commitment to children and families both here and abroad.
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