Illinois Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

For private adoptions, an adopted adult may obtain non-identifying information. For adoptions facilitated through the State Department of Child and Family Services, adopted adults, birth parents, and adoptive parents may receive non-identifying information.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Identifying information is provided through an Adoption Registry.

Using a confidential intermediary:

Adopted adults 18 or older and adoptive parents of an adoptee younger than 18 may use the confidential intermediary service.

Contact:

Confidential Intermediary Service
3158 Des Plaines River Road
Suite 120
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 298-9096
http://www.ci-illinois.org

Using the Adoption Registry:

Birth parents, adopted adults 21 or older, adopted adults younger than 21 with the consent of their adoptive parents, and birth siblings 21 or older may use the registry. Adoptive parents, adopted adults, birth parents, and birth siblings may exchange updated medical information throughout the life of the adopted adult. The registry also may act as an intermediary if either party does not want to be contacted. All parties also may exchange pictures and written statements through the registry.

Contact:

Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (IARMIE)
Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62761
(217) 557-5159 or toll-free in Illinois (877) 323-5299
http://www.idph.state.il.us/vital/iladoptreg.htm