Ask if the adoption resource is a licensed child welfare organization

This is important because being licensed  means that the organization has oversight. Someone looks over their records, client materials and general operations to ensure they are complying with the law. It also means that you as a client will have someplace to register a complaint if something goes wrong or if you don’t like the way you’re being treated. In short, it provides clients with added security that important matters are being handled appropriately.

Make sure that the adoption resource you choose isn’t misrepresenting themselves. If, for instance, you see Illinois Adoption on a website and that organization isn’t in fact licensed in Illinois, be wary! If that organization is representing themselves as an Illinois resource, they should be subject to the consumer protections the state of Illinois has put in place. Here is a link to the list of agencies that are licensed in Illinois http://licensedadoptionagencies.dcfs.illinois.gov

Ask if the organization was ever put on probation for being in violation of licensing standards or if there are outstanding complaints against them. In Illinois you can also check on this by contacting the Department of Children and Family Services.

Any reputable adoption resource will be happy to explain their licensure to you. If you sense any hesitation or if the answers to your questions seem overly complicated, that should raise a red flag for you.
And if an organization actually brags on their website about NOT being subject to state-mandated restrictions, lots of red flags should be flying!

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