Adoption Facts

How Adoption Works

Pregnancy isn’t the same for everyone. Neither is adoption. It may seem intimidating, confusing or just plain difficult. But it doesn’t have to be.

At The Cradle, your counselors guide and assist you through this critical decision-making time with total privacy, completely free of charge. If you decide that adoption isn’t a good choice for you, that’s okay. We are here to help you decide what’s best for you – and provide you with all the support and resources you need to make your decision.

We simplify the adoption process with six basic steps:

1. Connect with The Cradle anytime.
When you are ready, call, text, email, IM – whatever you are most comfortable with for contacting us. We will answer all your questions and help you explore all the possibilities of adoption.

2. Meet with your Cradle Counselor at a convenient time and place.
Early on, a Cradle counselor will meet with you to help you explore all your options. We will never pressure you into choosing adoption, we just want to make sure you understand all your options, rights and responsibilities. Your Cradle counselor will explain the different types of adoption and, if you’re ready, help you outline an adoption plan that’s right for you.

3. Select your family.
Maybe you would like to have some kind of relationship with the adoptive family or maybe you prefer not to have any contact at all. Either way is fine -- and totally up to you. Our Cradle families are open to whatever adoption plan works best for you, and if you’d like to see pictures or meet them, you can.

4. Take your time to make your decision.
After the baby is born, your counselor will check in with you to make sure that adoption is still your plan. If you need more time to think it over, The Cradle nursery is available to use while you make your final decision. If you don't live in Illinois, The Cradle has temporary care alternatives for your baby. It is important that you take the time you need to make this decision. Email us for more information.

5. Complete the process and make the plan permanent, but keep in touch as long as you like.
If you are ready to proceed with adoption, your Cradle counselor will meet with you to sign all the documents that make it legal and permanent. By Illinois law, you must wait at least 72 hours after birth to sign these documents.  Laws differ by state with regard to the specifics of the legal paperwork. We can help you understand the adoption law in your state.  You may take long as you need. Once the papers are signed and the adoption is complete and your decision is permanent.

6. Support after placement.
We encourage you to continue to meet with your Cradle counselor after placement – our door is always open to you. You are not alone and it is important to talk with someone who understands what you are going through. If you've lost touch with the adoptive family, we can help reconnect you as well.  Just give us a call.

Click the arrow below to hear Kathleen and Beth talk about our support services
Or read a transcript of their video