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Adoption, step by step

Below are the steps of the adoption process. Your personal counselor will be working with you each step of the way - she is there to support and assist you as you plan for your child's future.

The adoption process is unique for everyone who works with The Cradle, and you may be as involved as you wish in planning for your child, or you may choose to just meet with your counselor a couple of times to discuss your plans. We will provide whatever level of support you need.

Many birthparents choose to have some kind of contact with their child's family after placement in what's called an open adoption. Some birthparents choose not to have contact, and that's okay too. All Cradle families are prepared for an open adoption, so if you decide you would like contact with the family later, we can help you re-connect.

By working with The Cradle, you are in no way obligated to choose adoption, and all services are provided free of charge.

Step 1	Connect with us.
	Whether you choose to contact us via e-mail or phone, we will answer any questions you may have and offer you specific info that will help you begin to explore what adoption could look like for you and your baby. If you want, we will also schedule a meeting for you with one of our adoption counselors.
Step 2	Meet with a Cradle Counselor.
	As you discuss your specific situation with your counselor, they will help you craft an adoption plan that's right for you. We will never pressure you into deciding for adoption. Instead, we will make sure you understand all of your options, rights and responsibilities. If you want, we will show you letters and pictures of families waiting to adopt a child. In fact, you can check out some of our families online by clicking here. You can meet the family if you want, and talk about whether or not you'd like to have ongoing contact with them afterwards. If contact with the adoptive family (selecting, meeting or staying in contact) is not for you, that's okay too. We will respect your wishes.
Step 3	Making your Decision.
	After the baby is born, your counselor will visit with you and make sure adoption is still your plan. If you wish, the baby can go directly home from the hospital with the adoptive parents. Alternatively, The Cradle nursery is available to you as a place for your baby to stay while you make your decision.
Step 4	Placement & Follow-Up.
	Your counselor will meet with you to sign the legal documents which make the adoption legal and permanent. By Illinois law, you must wait at least 72 hours after the baby is born to sign these legal documents. You may, however, take as much time as you need to make your decision. You can change your mind and decide to parent your child at any time up until you have signed these legal papers. Once that is done, however, the decision is permanent. You can continue to meet with your counselor after placement—our door is always open to you for as long as you need us.