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St. Mary's Services understands that adoption is a lifelong experience for all members of the adoption triad. Illinois law requires adoption records remain closed unless there is mutual consent from both parties. St. Mary's is happy to provide available social and medical background information to birth parents, adoptive parents and adopted persons connected to St. Mary's Services through adoption whenever possible.
It is necessary to observe the agency's legal and ethical guidelines when releasing file information and we will assist you to the best of our ability. Non-identifying information is available to any adopted person (21 years of age or over) and adoptive parents, any adoptee over age 18 with written consent of the adoptive parents. Identifying information can be exchanged by mutual consent, requiring a signed release of information by involved parties. The amount of information available in agency records depends on how long the birthparent(s) worked with St. Mary's, the year in which the adoption occurred and the contact history since the time of the adoption.
If a birth parent and an adopted person are both registered with the Illinois Adoption Registry it is possible for the Illinois Adoption Registry to provide identifying information on one another.
In addition to the Illinois Adoption Registry, St. Mary's Services under certain conditions can facilitate an exchange of information. Also, due to Illinois law, St. Mary's Services can only participate in outreach activities with clients who are currently registered with the Illinois registry. It is necessary to send a copy of the verification letter confirming your registration along with your other paperwork.
Please follow the instructions to help us provide the best possible assistance to you.
Complete the form that corresponds to you; Birthparent Request Form or Adoption Request Form, this needs to be completed in full if possible. This will assist us in maintaining the information in your agency file, while providing us with specific contact instructions.
The Information Exchange Authorization Release Form needs to be signed in the presence of a notary. By completing this form, you are letting St. Mary's know you are open to contact with a birth relative. If this is not your intention, it is not necessary to complete or return this form. However, if you choose not to have contact then it is recommended you complete The Denial of Information Disclosure. This form needs to be completed in full and signed in the presence of a notary public.
Please photocopy a drivers license or other photo I.D. and mail it with the completed forms that pertain to you. Remember to include a copy of your Illinois Registry Affidavit Verification if you are interested in outreach.
The fee for medical/social background information is $100, payable to St. Mary's Services by either personal or certified check. Fees are subject to change depending on the type of services requested.
We will make every effort to respond to your request as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. Remember to keep St. Mary's aware of any changes in your address or contact information.