Benefits of Using an Agency
Why Use an Agency?
Agency adoptions are adoptions facilitated through an agency licensed by the State of Illinois:
- Staff members are required to be Illinois Certified Social Workers.
- Agencies have to abide by state regulations and child welfare guidelines.
Families adopting through agencies are required to:
- Have a thorough criminal background check, child abuse and neglect check, fingerprinting, FBI and Illinois Bureau of Investigation checks.
- Couples are interviewed, references are required and a home study is completed.
- Once the family is licensed, Continuing Education Hours regarding adoption/parenting/infant care are mandated by the State of Illinois.
After placement:
- The agency is required by law to visit the family after placement. St. Mary's social workers maintain monthly post-placement supervision with the child.
- Medical reports on the child are obtained.
Advantages of placing your baby through an agency:
- You will receive professional counseling during and after your pregnancy.
- You will be assigned a caseworker to be your advocate and ensure the adoption is done ethically.
- Support groups are held bi-monthly for birth parents.
- Prospective adoptive parents are carefully and thoroughly screened.
- We ensure that all babies will be raised by two loving, nurturing parents, who are able to provide a happy life for a child.
