Adoption Records

Where can I obtain information about my adoption or about my child's adoption?
Former DCFS youth in care who were adopted and adoptive parents of minor adoptees who were DCFS youth in care can learn about the availability of DCFS records by contacting:

DCFS Records Manager
406 East Monroe
Springfield, IL 62701
217-785-1467
DCFS.Recordsmanager@illinois.gov

In addition, DCFS contracts with the Midwest Adoption Center to provide non-identifying information from their own DCFS files to former youth in care, adopted or not adopted, birth parents and to adoptive parents of minors who were DCFS youth in care. Adult adoptees, birth relatives and adoptive parents of minors can also request help to locate someone from whom they were separated because of placement through DCFS. There is no fee for service. To request service:

Midwest Adoption Center
2860 S. River Road
Suite 450
Des Plaines, IL 60018
847-298-9096 x29
847-298-9097 Fax
800-526-9022 (toll free)
Email: mac@macadopt.org

Adult adoptees, adoptive parents of minors and birth relatives connected to an Illinois adoption in which the child was not a youth in care, can use the Confidential Intermediary Service of Illinois to attempt to locate a relative. This court ordered search program is provided by Midwest Adoption Center under contract to DCFS. There is a fee for search through this program. For information:

Midwest Adoption Center
2860 S. River Road
Suite 450
Des Plaines, IL 60018
847-298-9096 x29
847-298-9097 Fax
800-526-9022 (toll free)
Email: ci-illinois@macadopt.org

The Adoption Registry, a service offered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), helps people connected to an Illinois adoption learn about each other if both parties consent. For more information, visit the IDPH website, call 217-557-5159 or write to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
605 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62702-5097