- About the Cradle
- Pregnant?
- Adoptive Parents
- Overview
- Domestic
- African American Adoption
- International
- Fees
- Reading & resources
- Stories
- Elena's Adoption Story
- Warren's Adoption Story
- Casey C's Adoption Story
- The Abbeduto Family
- Reflections
- Petry Family
- O'Rourke Family
- Conis Family
- Sheppel Family
- Boehm Family
- Aralis Family
- Mccormick Family
- Davis Family
- Fowles Family
- Quast Family
- Tatiana & Vica's Story
- Petrick Family
- Gift of Motherhood
- Wason Family
- Gillis Family
- Hall Family
- Banks Family
- Hernandez Family
- Dunn Family
- Loftus Family
- 10 Things
- Meet Laura
- Books
- Websites
- Stories
- Our team
- Cradle homestudy classes & forms
- Waiting Families Support Group
- Cradle families share their stories
- Get Started
- New Cradle Families
- Lifelong Support
- Training & Education
- Support The Cradle
License and Certificates
The Cradle is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under the IRS code 501(c)(3). We are licensed by the state of Illinois, child welfare license # 005064. We are also licensed in Indiana. Our Indiana license number is 53866.
The Cradle is non-sectarian, working with clients from all religious affiliations as well as all races and ethnicities.
Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA) The Cradle is fully accredited to provide adoption services for Hague Convention Countries for the U.S. State Department by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services. COA accreditation is both a significant achievement and a powerful promise. It means that we have met rigorous internationally recognized standards of excellence in the quality of services and organizational operations. This accreditation reflects the quality of our practice and continued commitment to children and families both here and abroad. Visit COA's website >
Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) The Cradle is also a member of Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) - the oldest and largest affiliation of licensed, non-profit international adoption organizations in the world. JCICS advocates on behalf of children in need of permanent families and promotes ethical practices in intercountry adoption. Visit the JCICS website >
License and Certificates
DCFS License
Indiana State License
COA Certificate
JCICS Certificate
A Tour of The Nursery
CONNECT WITH THE CRADLE
800-272-3534
Call our 24-hour toll-free number
Or text us at 224-489-1369
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Chat online
one-on-one with a Cradle counselor. It is completely private and confidential.

