Can I talk to The Cradle, even if I'm not sure about adoption?
Of course. There is never any pressure when you talk with us. We'll help you consider all your options. You aren't required to choose adoption - the choice is always yours.

How much will this cost?
The Cradle's decision-making counseling services are provided to expectant parents free of charge. The Cradle will pay reasonable medical and living expenses. Any assistance is given freely as a gift with no strings attached.

Does the father of my baby have to be involved?
The Cradle can work with you, regardless of the relationship you have with your baby's father. There are steps that the expectant father will have to take, or The Cradle can take for you, to ensure a safe and legal adoption. At The Cradle, we encourage expectant fathers to take part in the decision-making process. If the father does not wish to be involved, his parental rights can be terminated through signing a legal document or through termination in the courts.

I'm 6 weeks pregnant - is it too early to call The Cradle?
No. You can call us anytime in your pregnancy, or even after your child is born. When you first contact The Cradle, we'll give you information on all of your options. You can take time to consider whether adoption is an option for you, or we can set up an appointment with a Cradle counselor so that you can learn more about adoption.

I'm 9 months pregnant. Is it too late to call The Cradle?
No. You can call us anytime in your pregnancy, or even from the hospital after you have had your baby. We'll help you understand what an adoption plan might look like, and give you the information and support you need to make a plan for your child. You may also take advantage of The Cradle Nursery as a safe place for your baby to stay while you take time to consider your plan.

Do I need my parents' permission?
No. You do not need your parents' permission to place a child for adoption. Your decision to talk to a counselor about adoption is a private one and you don't need to worry that anyone will find out. However, in many cases we find that the adoption process can be less stressful if you are honest with family and friends concerning your decision. We can help you plan how you will talk to them about adoption.

How does it all work?
When you first contact The Cradle by phone or email, one of our counselors will answer any questions you might have, and ask if you want to set up an appointment with one of our counselors.

When you meet your personal counselor, she will talk to you about all of your options, and ask some questions about your situation and background to get a better sense of how to assist you in planning for your child. Meeting with a Cradle counselor does not mean that you have to choose adoption - the decision is always yours.

You may meet with your counselor as often as you like to talk more about adoption as your due date draws nearer, or if you prefer, you can just meet a couple of times. If you want, you'll have the opportunity to view letters and pictures from adoptive families who are hoping to adopt.

Once you select a family, you have the option to meet the family you've chosen. Your counselor will be there for support when you meet the family and start to get to know each other. You'll talk about your family, hopes for your child, and see if you want to move toward an adoption plan with the family you've chosen.

After birth, you'll have as much time as you need to revisit your plan for your child. Your counselor can visit you in the hospital if you wish. The Cradle Nursery is also available as a safe place for your baby to stay while you take the time you need to make a decision.

If you choose adoption, you'll meet with your counselor to sign the legal paperwork that makes the adoption permanent and legal. You can continue to meet with your counselor after placement, if you wish - we're here to offer support for as long as you need us.

Can I change my mind after placement?
Once you sign the legal document that terminates your parental rights, your decision is final. The Cradle's goal is to help you reach a decision that you are comfortable with before you take that step.

I'm not sure I want contact with the family after placement. Can I have a closed adoption?
Yes, of course. If you do not want contact with your child after placement, your wishes will be honored. You should know that all of our adoptive families are prepared for an open adoption, so if you decide later that you would like contact with your child's family, The Cradle can always help you reconnect.

What kind of families adopt children through The Cradle?
There is a wide variety of families that adopt. Some families choose to adopt because of infertility and some families adopt because they feel they want to assist a child in need of a stable home environment. All races, ethnicities, and religions adopt. All Cradle families are thoroughly screened and prepared, so no matter which family you choose, your child will be part of a loving, stable home.

Do you have families for African American and biracial babies?
Yes.

What if my baby is born with medical problems or has been exposed to drugs and/or alcohol?
The Cradle is committed to finding a safe, loving home for every child in our care. Some waiting families working with The Cradle are prepared to adopt babies with special needs. It is important that you share any concerns in this regard with your counselor so that we can present you with families who are prepared for a child who may have special medical needs. Of course, we also encourage expectant parents to practice good prenatal care for the health and well-being of their children.

What if I've already chosen an adoptive family?
The Cradle can work with you and your chosen adoptive family to complete an adoption. We can assist you with resources and counseling that can make an adoption go more smoothly. The Cradle acts as an objective mediator to make sure that both the birth family and adoptive family have the support they need.

What if I don't live in Illinois?
If you would like to place your child with one of The Cradle's adoptive families and you don't live in Illinois, we can still help you.