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Many people who begin using The Cradle's Post Adoption Services have
questions about the kind of information we can provide. We hope that
the answers below provide a few answers. If you still have a question,
click on the "contact us" link to the right, and contact us
with your question.
Can The Cradle give me the name on my birth relative?
Illinois law states that adoption records must remain sealed unless there
is mutual consent from both parties. The Cradle is unable to release,
confirm, or deny the names of birth parents. Identifying information,
including names and addresses, may only be released once consent from
both parties is received. We do offer our Mutual
Consent Registry and Search
Services.
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How can I get a copy of my birth certificate?
At the time of the adoption, the original birth certificate is sealed
and an amended birth certificate is issued with the adoptive parents'
names and the new name of the adopted person. You can obtain this amended
document through Vital Records in the county or state in which you were
born. The original birth certificate can be obtained when the both parties
have signed forms indicating their consent through the Illinois
Adoption Registry.
- Cook County Clerk’s Office of Vital Records
118 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60664-2570
or call (312) 603-7790 (recorded message)
- Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
605 W. Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62702-5097
217-782-6554
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Where do I begin? Can you send me the paperwork?
All of our forms are
available on this website in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat
Reader in order to view and print these forms. If you would prefer to
receive a post adoption packet by mail instead of using our online directions
and forms, e-mail your name, street address, date of birth, and please
identify yourself as a birthparent, adoptive parent, or adopted person
to postadopt@cradle.org or
call 847-475-5800 and ask to speak to a member of our Post Adoption Services
staff.
How long will services take?
Once we receive your completed paperwork, we will send a letter of confirmation
indicating that we have received your request and giving you an estimation
of when you will hear from your assigned social worker.
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Why does The Cradle charge fees for post adoption
services?
Due to the many requests for information we receive, we are unable
to maintain our quality of service on a basis of donation alone. Fees
help cover the professional time required for accessing records, conducting
searches, preparing documents in accordance with the law, and providing
appropriate social services. Our fees are similar to those of other area
agencies offering these services. They are not intended to act as a deterrent
to receiving services. Please contact the Post Adoption Services department
if you would like to discuss alternative payment arrangements.
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I’m a sibling/descendant of
an adopted person or birth parent. Can I access information?
Yes. In addition to the paperwork required for services requested,
you will need to send proof of your relationship to the adopted person.
You may send a copy of your birth certificate, or if the adopted person
is deceased, a death certificate or obituary verifying your relative's
death. Please call 847-475-5800 for clarification or write to postadopt@cradle.org.
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What if I’m not sure if I was adopted
through The Cradle?
There are a couple of different ways to determine which agency was involved in
your adoption. Often, adoptive parents can be the best source of information
about your adoption. If you believe you were possibly adopted through The Cradle,
you may write a letter requesting we check our records on your behalf. This letter
should include your name, date of birth, your adoptive parents’ names, and
a copy of a valid driver’s license or other proof of identification. Information
may also be requested from the county in which your adoption was finalized.
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