Our support extends beyond our doors. You’re facing some tough decisions. Life-changing, actually. We’d like to help.
Whether you’re ready to meet with us now or later, the Cradle can provide you the resources and support you need to take on the task of choosing what’s best for you. While we hope we connect with you someday, we offer the following free resources to help you get started on planning your future.
Suggested books about adoption
We know the decision to choose adoption doesn’t come easy. As much as The Cradle supports all your choices, sometimes it helps to learn from others who know firsthand what you’re experiencing.Below are some books we think may be helpful as you face some of the hardest decisions of your life.
The Third Choice
by Leslie Foge and Gail Mosconi
This book explores the many decisions that need to be made when considering adoption as well as the emotional ups and downs along the way. The book covers a lot of ground with a down-to-earth attitude. Topics include: what to expert during pregnancy; what emotions to expect with adoption; what is open adoption; what to look for in adoptive parents; and the legal aspects of adoption.
Creative Arts Book Company, Copyright 2004
Given in Love
by Maureen Connelly
The mother who chooses adoption for her child is not usually recognized as a grieving mother. People assume that you do not feel sad or have a sense of loss. This book has been warmly written to help you prepare for the separation and loss of your child, and to support you during the grief you may experience.
Centering Corporation, copyright 1990
Saying Goodbye to Baby
by Patricia Roles
Written by a birthmother, this book explores the loss and grief that is unique to the birthparent experience. The book discusses the feelings women may experience from first discovering their pregnancy through placement and teaches women how to share their experience with important people in their life.
Child Welfare League of America, copyright 1989
The Open Adoption Experience
by Lois Ruskai Melina and Sharan Kaplan Roszia
Two leading experts provide an authoritative and reassuring guide to the issues and concerns of adoption and birth families through all stages of the open adoption relationship. It covers initial preparation to placement as well as what to expect year one through adolescence.
HarperCollins, copyright 1993
Out of the Shadows: Birthfather Stories
by Mary Martin Mason
Through powerful stories and photos, this book examines the invisible population of birthfathers: men who become fathers, but who may never get to hear their children call them "Daddy."
OJ Howard Publishing, copyright 1995
Websites
Illinois-based resources
Access Community Health Network
Access operates nearly 36 community health centers in Chicago, greater Cook County and DuPage County. Pregnancy testing and prenatal care in most centers.
866-267-2353
ALL KIDS
The All Kids program offers Illinois children comprehensive healthcare.
1-866-255-5437
Erie Family Health Center
Delivering culturally sensitive and high quality healthcare to thousands of patients in the Chicagoland area, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Multiple Locations
312-666-3494
Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Planned Parenthood offers a variety of gynecological and reproductive health services at convenient locations throughout the US.
800-230-7526
Child Care Resource & Referral Agency
Referrals for child care resources. Find your local agency.
IL Action for Children - Cook County
Action for Children provides child care referrals and subsidies for child care. Services are available in Spanish. Several walk-in locations throughout Cook County.
312-823-1100
Centro Romero
Family services program helping Latinos with legal referral, youth programs and GED. Domestic violence services for Spanish speaking women.
773-508-5300
6216 N. Clark
Chicago, IL 60660
City of Chicago Family & Support Services
Chicago DFSS can connect individuals and families in need to important resources, from subsidized, quality childcare, to housing for the homeless
312-743-0300
Administrative Offices
1615 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
Community Counseling Center of Chicago
A community mental health agency. Also offers free parenting skills classes in English and Spanish for parents of children from birth to age 12. CTA passes, refreshments and free childcare provided.
773-769-0205
Community Youth Network, Grayslake IL
Community Youth Network is a non-profit counseling center serving children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families.
847-548-6000
Grayslake Office
18640 W. Route 120
Grayslake, IL 60030
Early Intervention Services
The Illinois Department of Human Services can help you and your family meet your basic needs.
1-800-843-6154
Evanston Hospital Connections Program for Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Prenatal classes, developmental guidance, support and mentoring. Services are available in Spanish
847-570-1527
2650 Ridge Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
Family Network, Inc.
Family support agency, open to all regardless of ability to pay. Promotes the well-being of children by supporting and strengthening their families.
847-433-0377
330 Laurel Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
Howard Area Community Center
Infant and toddler program, home visiting, parenting, support, ESL and GED classes.
773-262-6622
7648 N. Paulina
Chicago, IL 60626
Infant Welfare Society of Evanston
Comprehensive parenting services for teens including support groups, family support, case management, field trips and home visitation.
847-491-9650
2200 Main Street
Evanston, IL 60201
On Your Feet Foundation
Providing personal support to birth parents to help them get "back on their feet."
224-858-6933
1555 Sherman Avenue, #173
Evanston, IL 60201
The Night Ministry Youth Empowerment Services
Prenatal services, counseling, parenting skills, GED, job training and housing assistance.
773-784-9000 X 232
4711 N. Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
DuPage Emergency Shelter
630-941-8681
Safe Families for Children
Strengthening children and families, through alternatives to state-run foster care and family assistance agencies.
4300 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60641
773-653-2200
Maryville Crisis Nursery
A temporary emergency shelter for newborns through age six
773-205-3600
24 Hour Helpline 773-205-3637
4015 Oak Park Ave, Building B.
Chicago, IL 60634
Chicago Emergency Housing Hotline
DFSS services include prevention, outreach, shelter and housing programs and supportive services.
800-654-8595
YWCA Rape Crisis Hotline and Counseling Services
Operating 24 hour support for survivors of sexual assault and their significant others.
Call 888-293-2080 in Chicago Metropolitan Area
Call 630-971-3927 in DuPage County
Call 708-748-5672 in the South Suburbs
Treatment-Centers.net
Treatment-centers.net features a local listing of rehab centers that treat pregnant women. Treatment-centers.net is a community-based public-benefit website connecting people to the addiction resources they need. The resource is free to the public.
Indiana-based resources
Community HealthNet Health Centers
Community based organization that provides accessible, affordable and quality medical care. CHN has 5 locations through Lake County, Indiana. Also offers free pregnancy testing.
219-880-1190
HealthLinc
Community Health Center with locations in Valparaiso, Michigan City, Knox, Mishawaka, East Chicago, and South Bend, Indiana.
888-580-1060
Porter-Starke Services
Community based mental health services with locations in Valparaiso, Portage and Knox, Indiana.
219-531-3500
Swanson Center
Community based mental health services with locations in Michigan City and LaPorte, Indiana. Provides educational and therapeutic outpatient programs.
Crisis Center, Inc.
Provides free crisis intervention, information, and referrals throughout Indiana. Counseling and crisis services available, as well as an emergency shelter for youth ages 10 through 18.
Crisis Contact Line: 219-938-0900 (local)
Dunebrook
Offers free parenting classes and services. Programs available in La Porte, Porter, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski and Starke counties in Indiana.
800-897-0007
Hilltop Neighborhood House
Offers child care, a food pantry, an after school program, and other services for children.
219-477-4222
460 S College Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Housing Opportunities
Provides housing assistance and therapy services for residents of Northwest Indiana.
219-548-2800
2001 Calumet Ave
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Baptist Children’s Home Safe Families
Provides safe, temporary housing arrangements for children. Baptist Children’s Home serves families in Northern Indiana. See here for other chapters throughout Indiana.
219-465-7777
Crisis Center, Inc.
Provides free crisis intervention, information, and referrals throughout Indiana. Counseling and crisis services available, as well as an emergency shelter for youth ages 10 through 18.
Crisis Contact Line: 219-938-0900 (local)
Treatment-Centers.net
Treatment-centers.net features a local listing of rehab centers that treat pregnant women. Treatment-centers.net is a community-based public-benefit website connecting people to the addiction resources they need. The resource is free to the public.
National resources
Women Infant & Children (WIC)
Supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last six months, infants, and children under the age of five.
800-323-4769
Fussy Baby Network/Erikson Institute
Parent groups, warmline, infant parents program and a clinic. Services are available in Spanish.
888-431-BABY
420 North Wabash Ave. 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Provides immediate support to victims of abuse.
1-800-799-7233
PO Box 161810
Austin, Texas 78716
Office Line: 512-453-8117
Creating a Safety Plan
DrugRehab.com
Web resource that provides information and support to people fighting substance abuse, addiction and mental illness.
Abused Children & Addiction: The Guide to Untangling, Reconnecting, and Building New Futures
A comprehensive report that examines the existing evidence supporting the link between childhood abuse and addiction. Also provides a framework for moving toward more positive outcomes for children who are subject to abuse.
How to Recognize Trauma in Children
How to identify childhood domestic violence and what to do.
Signs You May Be in an Abusive Relationship
This article provides information on what domestic violence and abuse may look like and offers advice and resources for getting help.