POST ADOPTION AND
GUARDIANSHIP SERVICES
• 3 •
Post Adoption and
Guardianship Services
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) realizes the
valuable contribution families make in giving a child a permanent family through
adoption or guardianship. This undertaking is one that will change lives forever.
By making the lifelong commitment to care for a child, adoptive and guardianship
parents have ended the formal, day-to-day involvement of DCFS. That prospect
can raise many emotions and perhaps even some concerns. Families formed by
adoption and guardianship may experience some unique challenges. It is normal
to need help for small or bigger concerns that your family may face as your child
grows and develops. Your family now makes the important decisions for the chil-
dren now in your home. You, not a caseworker, are responsible for nding infor-
mation and programs. It is important to reach out early and oen before smaller
concerns escalate into crisis.
It is important that children and families do more than survive. They should thrive.
There are many resources through Illinois DCFS, other government agencies, and
in the community that can help you meet your responsibilities.
This booklet is designed to present families with an overview of the many services
available, including supportive, trauma-focused, adoption/guardianship sensitive
services to meet your child’s ongoing needs. The rst section outlines services that
the department provides or funds for children previously in its care. It also in-
cludes resources outside of DCFS that you may contact for services. At the end of
the booklet there is a collection of information available to all families that is not
specic to adoption but may be of special interest to adoptive and guardianship
families. Please keep this booklet as a handy reference.
• 4 •
Table of Contents
Part 1: Adoption and Guardianship Subsidy and
Other Financial Considerations
Information on subsidies
Components of the subsidy .................................................................................................................5
Mediation and appeals of subsidies ...................................................................................................7
Other nancial considerations
Medical card .............................................................................................................................................7
Dental/orthodontic services ................................................................................................................8
Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA) .......................................8
Federal Income Tax with adoption and guardianship ..................................................................9
Education and employment resources aer adoption and guardianship ................................9
Part 2: Services and Supports for Adoptive and
Guardianship Families
Post adoption and guardianship contacts ......................................................................................13
Adoption and guardianship preservation services ......................................................................13
Respite ....................................................................................................................................................15
Family First .............................................................................................................................................17
Search and reunion services ..............................................................................................................17
Illinois Adoption Registry ..................................................................................................................18
Arranging future plans for your child .............................................................................................19
Part 3: Resources for Training and Advocacy after Adoption
and Guardianship
Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Information ......................................................................20
Adoption Learning Partners ..............................................................................................................20
Illinois Adoption Advisory Council ................................................................................................20
Advocacy Oce.....................................................................................................................................20
National organizations and Internet resources .............................................................................21
Part 4: Additional Family Resources
Income-based services and resources .............................................................................................22
• Day care for children over three
• Kid Care health services
• Earned Income Tax Credit
Resources for older parents ................................................................................................................23
Resources for individuals with disabilities .....................................................................................23
Metropolitan Older Caregivers Project ..........................................................................................23
Resources for individuals with disabilities .....................................................................................23
Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) ............................................................23
Advocacy services .................................................................................................................................24
Training funds for family members of persons with disabilities ..............................................25
UIC specialized care for children .....................................................................................................25
• 5 •
Part 1: Adoption and Guardianship Subsidy
and Other Financial Considerations
The Adoption/Guardianship Subsidy
Families adopting children or becoming guardians of children in the care of DCFS may receive
subsidies to assist them aer adoption or guardianship.
Subsidy components
Subsidies for eligible children may include any or all of the following:
• Payment for non-recurring expenses directly related to the adoption is available in an
amount not to exceed $2,250 per child for the adoption or guardianship.
• Monthly cash payments are available based on the needs of the child and the family
circumstances.
• A Medicaid card is available to cover Medicaid-eligible services.
• Payment or reimbursement payment can be made for physical, emotional and mental
health needs that are not covered through insurance or public resources and that resulted
from a pre-existing condition. Services must be pre-approved by DCFS to receive payment
or reimbursement
• Employment-related daycare payments are available for children under the age of 3 years,
if day care is required due to the parent or guardian’s employment or participation in a
training program that will lead to employment.
• Therapeutic daycare is available for children who are determined to have a disability that
requires special education services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), an
Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or a 504 Educational Plan and is not fundable
through another source. The child must be unable to be
maintained in employment-related daycare programs and
services must be pre-approved by DCFS. These services
must be approved through the child’s subsidy and the
provider must have the appropriate credentials/training
to provide therapeutic daycare for the child(ren) specic
needs. This service will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to
determine continued eligibility.
If you have questions about your subsidy, contact the DCFS
Subsidy Support Line at 866-538-8892 or 312-808-5250 and you
will be connected to the assigned subsidy support specialist in your
region. You can also go to
pathbeyondadoption.illinois.gov
for
assistance, resources and up to date information.
• 6 •
What does my subsidy support specialist do?
Everyone who completes a subsidy with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
is assigned a subsidy support specialist. The assigned subsidy support specialist assist with
the following, but not limited to:
• Provides assistance to the parent/guardian in determining the underlying issue,
concern or need and explain what support or services are available to meet/address
the area identied.
• Assists families with:
• Address and phone updates.
• Information on direct deposits.
• Marital status/name change.
• Subsidy extension requests.
• Verifying/reviewing annual certication letters.
• Ensuring timely subsidy closure.
• Service referrals and required documents for:
• Clinical referrals.
• Psychological evaluation requests.
• Counseling referrals.
• Therapeutic day care requests.
• Educational advocacy referrals.
• Respite Services referrals.
• Family First referrals.
• Identifying community resources.
• Adult guardianship.
• Death or incapacitation support: Explaining the process to family, obtaining proper
documents/forms and referral and follow-up with contracting agency for processing
and nalization.
• Re-adoption.
• Guardianships.
• Identify community resources for the family that may help in meeting their needs;
i.e. food pantry
• Interstate Compact Medical Assistance Program
• Post Adoption Guardianship Support Services (PAGS) Review
• Reimbursements and medical equipment requests
• 7 •
Mediation and appeals of subsidies
If you believe that your rights under an adoption assistance or subsidized
guardianship agreement have been violated in some way, an Administrative
Appeal may be available to you. A written appeal must be led within 45
calendar days of the department’s determination.
Submit requests for an appeal to:
Administrative Hearings Unit
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
406 East Monroe Street
Springeld IL 62701
For additional information about the DCFS Administrative Hearing process,
call 217-782-6655 if you live outside of Cook county. If you live in Cook
County, call 312-814-5540.
Missing subsidy checks
If you have been receiving subsidy checks regularly and suddenly don’t receive your monthly
subsidy check, call the DCFS Payment Unit at 800-525-0499 select #2. Dates may vary each
month, so please allow a few days from expected date of deposit. If you do not receive your
check AFTER 30 DAYS, you may request a stop payment by contacting the DCFS Payment
Unit.
Medical Care Benets
Medical card
DCFS youth in care and former youth in care have transitioned into Medicaid managed
care plans through HealthChoice Illinois. Former Youth in Care are youth under 18 years
of age(or under 21 years of age if the child has been found to have specialized needs by the
department), who were previously under the guardianship of DCFS prior to adoption or
subsidized guardianship. Former Youth in Care will automatically be enrolled in YouthCare
Health Plan. Adoptive parents or guardians may choose a dierent health plan for their
former youth in care, upon nalization of adoption or guardianship. Each youth will
receive a medical card that will cover all Medicaid-eligible services provided by a contracted
Medicaid provider under the enrolled health plan.
• Anyone who did not choose an alternate MCO – managed care health plan 30 days aer
adoption/guardianship nalization is automatically enrolled with YouthCare.
• However, anyone can change their MCO – managed care health plan for up to 90 days
aer they select their managed care plan. Aer the one-time switch or when 90 days
is up, the plan cannot be changed for one year from the anniversary date of selection,
which is your specic child’s open enrollment. An open enrollment letter will be sent out
before the open enrollment starts. To change the plan, they can call Client Enrollment
Services at 877-912-8880.
For any YouthCare related questions, including but not limited to, coverage questions,
primary care physician questions or to verify that providers are part of the YouthCare
network, call 844- 289-2264 and ask for the Rapid Response Team or send an email to
ILYouthCare@Centene.com
• 8 •
To nd out information regarding dierent health plans, please see below for contact
information:
Aetna Better Health of Illinois (All counties) ..................................................... 866-329-4701
Blue Cross Community Health Plan (All counties) ......................................... 877-860-2837
CountyCare Health Plan (Cook County only) .................................................. 855-444-1661
Meridian Health Plan (All counties)..................................................................... 866-606-3700
Molina Healthcare (All counties) .......................................................................... 855-687-7861
If you have a primary care doctor (PCP) or specialist you want to keep seeing, check to see
what health plans they accept before you enroll. To change your PCP, call your health plan’s
member services number on your member ID card for help.
There are two ways to enroll:
Online: Go to EnrollHFS.Illinois.gov and click “Enroll” or
By phone: Call Client Enrollment Services at 1-877-912-8880 (TTY: 866-565-8576).
Call Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dental/Orthodontic services
If you need to nd a dental or orthodontic provider in your area who accepts Medicaid,
contact your managed care provider to nd a provider near your home.
Subsidy and Medical Coverage Payments When
Moving Out of Illinois
Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance
(ICAMA)
ICAMA and adoptive families
Families oen worry about what will happen to their child’s subsidy if they move out of
state. Illinois is a member of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance
(ICAMA), which assists adoptive families moving in or out of Illinois.
Moving prior to adoption nalization
Your adoption worker will provide you with information about your child’s medical coverage
prior to the adoption. If you will be moving out of state, there are a various options for
medical care in your new state of residence. To obtain a referral and to discuss your options
before moving out of state contact your adoption worker rst. If further assistance is needed,
contact the Interstate Compact Oce at 217-785-2680 or via email at
DCFS.InterstateCompactGeneral@illinois.gov.
Moving aer nalization
If you plan an out-of-state move aer the adoption is nalized, contact your subsidy support
specialist for information on the steps that will be taken to ensure that the new state has all of
the necessary information. Illinois will continue to process your monthly subsidy payment
and you may contact your subsidy support specialist as needed. Your subsidy support
specialist will provide information about the options for medical coverage described above.
Guardianship families can contact the Interstate Compact Oce at 217-785-2680 to discuss
their options before moving out of state, as they may dier from families who have adopted.
• 9 •
Tax Information for Foster and Adoptive Families
Since 2003, families who adopt a child with special needs from foster care can claim a federal
adoption tax credit without needing to incur or document expenses. For non-special needs
adoptions (except stepparent adoptions, which do not qualify for the credit), parents can
claim the credit with the same rules as below, except that they must document qualied
adoption expenses. You do not have to submit documents to IRS but must keep them for
your les.
The amount of the credit is based on the year the adoption nalized.
To qualify for the credit without documenting expenses, families must:
• Have adopted a child determined special needs (who receives adoption
assistance).
• Have a modied adjusted gross income below a level.
For example, how much, if any, of the credit you can use is based on your
income. Families with a 2022 federal modied adjusted gross income above
$263,410 cannot claim the credit at all. Those with incomes from $223,410 to
$263,410 can claim a portion of the credit. Married couples must le Married
Filing Jointly the year they are claiming the credit.
To claim the credit, complete IRS Form 8839 in addition to ling your usual
IRS Form 1040. If you are using soware, it will generate the needed forms.
If you are ling by paper, forms are available on www.irs.gov or https://www.nacac.org/help/
adoption-tax-credit/irs-forms-related-to-the-adoption-tax-credit/. If the IRS were to audit
your return and the documentation of your adoption of a child with special needs, you
would submit a copy of your adoption decree and adoption assistance agreement.
Currently the Adoption Tax Credit is not refundable, which means that a family may not be
able to use the full amount of the credit (some families unable to use any credit) in the year
they claim the credit. Families have a total of six years to use the credit. Any unused credit is
carried forward to the next year. Most families will not receive the full credit as a refund to
their tax return. Families that typically receive a refund should still le for the Adoption Tax
Credit as they may receive a larger refund due to the Adoption Tax Credit.
For more information, visit https://www.nacac.org/help/adoption-tax-
credit/(includes link to recorded webinar), email taxcredit@nacac.org,
or call 651-644-3036.NACAC is not a tax professional organization, and
this information should not be considered legal or tax advice. For further
questions please seek out guidance from a certied tax professional.
Education and transition services after
adoption and guardianship
Youth in a subsidized adoption or subsidized guardianship from DCFS
may access the following services as they transition to adulthood:
DCFS Scholarship Program
Each year the department shall select a minimum of 53 students, at least
four of whom shall be children of veterans, to receive scholarships and
fee waivers which will enable them to attend and complete their post-secondary education
at a community college, public university or college. Scholarships and fee waivers shall be
available to students for at least ve years, provided they are continuing to work toward
graduation. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their scholastic record, community
and extracurricular activities and general interest in higher education.
• 10 •
All scholarship recipients, regardless of whether they attend an
Illinois community college or university or a private out-of-state
college or university, shall receive:
• A monthly grant which is eective the rst day of attendance
and will terminate at the end of the academic year. Scholarship
recipients must utilize the monthly grant towards payment for
maintenance and school expenses, including but not limited to
room/board/dormitory fees, or travel expenses to/from campus.
Monthly grant payments will continue through the summer
if the recipient is enrolled in summer school for a minimum
of six college credit hours, or is participating in an approved
internship program, or submits proof of enrollment for the fall
semester by June 1.
• One-time start-up grant to assist with their initial college living
expenses. Recipients will receive the grant payment in July.
• Medical card
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
• Earned a high school diploma from an accredited institution, or
• Earned a General Education Development (GED) certicate/diploma or
• Met the state criteria for high school graduation before the start of the school year for
which they are applying for the scholarship.
In addition, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
• The department has court-ordered legal responsibility for the applicant, or
• The applicant aged out of the department’s care at age 18 or older, or
• The applicant who was formerly under care has been adopted or placed in subsidized
guardianship.
The CFS 438, DCFS Scholarship Program Student Application, may be obtained from:
• The DCFS website at https://DCFS/illinois.gov.
• Calling 217 557-2689 (Springeld) or 312 814-5959 (Chicago).
DCFS Tuition Waiver Program
Eligibility requirements:
• The department must have court-ordered legal guardianship for the applicant;
the applicant must have aged out of DCFS guardianship at age 18 or older; or the
department must have had legal guardianship for the applicant immediately prior to
the adoption or guardianship being nalized.
• An applicant must have earned a high school diploma from an accredited institution
or a high school equivalency certicate or have met the state criteria for high school
graduation before the start of the school year for which the applicant is applying for
the waiver.
• An applicant must be enrolled in a qualifying post-secondary education program
before the applicant reaches the age of 26.
• An applicant must apply for federal and state grant assistance by completing the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• 11 •
Benets:
• Tuition and fee waiver available to Illinois public universities or in-district
community college. If student is awarded the Illinois MAP grant and/or federal Pell
grants, these funds may be applied rst.
• Benets available for up to ve consecutive years.
• The application period is open every year between January 1 and March 31.
To apply:
• Submit a complete DCFS Form 438A to DCFS.TuitionWaiver@illinois.gov
Education Training Vouchers Program:
Youth adopted or moved to guardianship aer their 16th birthday may
be eligible for these vouchers that assist in providing for post-secondary
school expenses up to $5,000 per academic year. The students are required
to complete the application once a year with a preferred deadline of August
1st. Completed applications (CFS 449-3 found) or questions should be
forwarded to: DCFS.ETVCoordinator@illinois.gov
Application can be found at CFS 449-3 Application for Education and
Training Voucher Funds (https://DCFS.illinois.gov)
Youth Housing Assistance Program:
Youth adopted or moved to guardianship on or aer their 14th birthday
and are currently between 17½ and their 21st birthday may access housing
advocacy services. Housing Advocacy services assist youth in obtaining
and/or maintaining stable housing. Services include:
• Assistance in securing aordable housing.
• Consumer education.
• Budget counseling.
• Linkages to community-based resources (i.e., assistance with utilities, clothing and food).
• Follow-up services for a minimum of three months aer the client secures appropriate
housing.
Youth who moved to adoption or subsidized guardianship on or aer their 16th birthday may
be eligible for cash assistance which vary depending on a client’s situation. Cash assistance
may be authorized for the following reasons:
• Housing security deposit.
• Rent (limited circumstances).
• Beds for the client and the client’s children.
• Current utility bills or utility deposits.
• Appliances
• Partial housing subsidy for a period of one year following case closure (housing costs must
exceed 30% of income and assistance cannot continue past the client’s 21st birthday).
• Other items required by the client to avoid or manage a crisis.
For more information, contact the Youth Housing Assistance Coordinator at 312-328-2159
or email DCFS.YHAP.Coordinator@illinois.gov
Call 312-814-5959 (Chicago) or 21-557-2689 (Springeld) for more information or you
can nd the Get Goal’d book at
https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/independence.html
• 12 •
Illinois Sites: Adoption and Guardianship
Preservation Providers
STEPHENSON
BOONE
LAKE
WINNEBAGO
OGLE
LEE
DU PAGE
CARROLL
WHITESIDE
HENRY
KNOX
FULTON
WOODFORD
MC CLEAN
DE WITT
MACON
PIATT
MOULTRIE
CHRISTIAN
MONTGOMERY
BOND
CLINTON
WASHINGTON
PERRY
MARION
JEFFERSON
FRANKLIN
WILLIAMSON
JOHNSON
PULASKI
MACOUPIN
GREENE
MASON
MENARD
SANGAMON
LOGAN
VERMILION
CLARK
CRAWFORD
LAWRENCE
DCFS
Southern
Region
DCFS
Central
Region
DCFS
Cook
Region
DCFS
Northern
Region
WABASH
EDWARDS
WHITE
GALLATIN
HARDIN
POPE
MASSAC
CASS
MORGAN
SCOTT
BROWN
ADAMS
CHAMPAIGN
DOUGLAS
COLES
CUMBERLAND
JASPER
RICHLAND
EFFINGHAM
CL AY
WAYNE
HAMILTON
SALINE
FAYE T TE
SHELBY
EDGAR
TAZEWELL
FORD
IROQUOIS
MERCER
WARREN
MC DONOUGH
SCHUYLER
HENDERSON
STARK
PEORIA
PUTNAM
MARSHALL
GRUNDY
LIVINGSTON
KANKAKEE
LA SALLE
WILL
BUREAU
KENDALL
ROCK ISLAND
DE KALB
KANE
COOK
Chicago
JO DAVIESS
MC HENRY
HANCOCK
PIKE
CALHOUN
JERSEY
MADISON
ST. CLAIR
MONROE
RANDOLPH
JACKSON
UNION
ALEXANDER
2
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
2
2
2
2
2
6
6
6
6
5/10
5/10
5/10
10
10
105/10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
103/10
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
3
10
10
10
10
10
5/6
5/6
5/6 5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6 5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
4/8
5/6
5/6/10
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
3/11
6
2
2
2
1/4/9/12
1. CatholicCharities-Chicago 312-655-8357
2. Children’sHome
&AidSociety-Rockford 815-720-2111
3. Childrens’Home
&AidSociety-GraniteCity 618-452-8900
4. JewishChildrenandFamilyServices 312-673-2711
5. FamilyCore 309-676-2400
6. LutheranSocialServices-Peoria 309-671-0300
7. Childrens’Home&AidSociet y-Herrin 618-988-1330
8. MetropolitanFamilyServices-Wheaton630-784-4801
9. MetropolitanFamilyServices-Chicago 773-884-2211
10.TheBabyFold-Normal&Springeld 309-557-1127
11.Cornerstone-Quincy 217-222-8254
12.AdaS.McKinley 312-385-2050
• 13 •
Part 2: Services and Supports for adoptive and
guardianship families
Statewide subsidy support information
Subsidy support contacts
For most services listed in this booklet you can contact the
agencies directly at the numbers listed. Any services not
listed in part 2 of this book must be included in your subsidy.
Service providers must have approval from the Subsidy
Support Unit prior to starting services. To speak to your
regional subsidy support specialist, contact the Statewide
Subsidy Support Unit at 866-538-8892 or 312-808-5250.
Support and preservation Services
Families created through adoption or guardianship may
experience problems that require intensive services to help
them gain stability and to reduce the risk of out-of-home
placement. The Adoption and Guardianship Support
Preservation Program recognizes that families built through adoption or guardianship may
have characteristics signicantly dierent from those created through birth. This can result in
unique challenges for the family. The Adoption and Guardianship Support and Preservation
Program helps families who oen feel they need assistance to meet their family’s needs by
oering family-centered support and services. Testimonials from families who have used
support services reveal that these services worked, while other traditional, less intensive
services they had tried, did not. DCFS contracts with agencies statewide to provide Adoption
and Guardianship Support and Preservation Services for free to adoption and subsidized
guardianship families.
The goals of all preservation programs are to help parents:
• Feel supported and empowered in their parenting abilities.
• Understand adoption and guardianship and its impact on children.
• Understand trauma and its eects on current thoughts and behaviors.
• Understand the child’s past losses.
• Gain skills to help their child.
Each Adoption and Guardianship Support and Preservation Agency can provide the
following:
• Comprehensive assessment/Crisis intervention: Preservation sta will respond
by phone within 24 hours and make an in-home visit within three days. A therapist
will help a family identify their own strengths, complete an assessment and develop a
family treatment plan within 30 days of the referral to the program.
• Clinical services: A therapist will provide clinical services in the family
treatment plan.
• Support groups: Support groups are oered for both parents and youth at times
and locations that meet the family’s needs.
• Case management/advocacy services: The agency will manage the case and the
services as outlined in the family treatment plan.
• 14 •
• Children’s mental health advocacy services: If a child has signicant mental health
needs, the program will provide or facilitate services.
• Cash assistance: If a family participating in the program experiences economic
hardships or requires specialized services that cannot be obtained through other
resources, a cash assistance payment (limited to $500 per family per scal year) may
be provided.
• START (Start Early, Trauma-informed, Attachment-focused, Resiliency-building,
Therapeutic services): A customizable and exible short-term prevention service
to address the family’s specic needs. START services are family-
focused, provide interactive and meaningful activities with children
and caregivers, and link families to experienced clinicians trained
in the most eective techniques for working with the toughest
situations.
The key to support and preservation services is that they serve
the whole family to keep the family together. The subsidy support
specialists/therapists work with all members of the family, not
just the child with the identied concerns, to identify ways they
can work as a unit. The adoption and guardianship support and
preservation service agencies understand the rhythms of the
special families they serve and can respond to crisis situations.
Families that nd they need intensive intervention to keep their family supported can call the
appropriate agency from the list on the following pages.
DCFS Cook County Regions
Catholic Charities/Chicago 773-630-4122
Metropolitan Family Services/Cook 630-784-4894
Jewish Children and Family Services 773-673-2711
Ada S. McKinley 773-343-2578
(Families in Cook County can contact either agency for service)
DCFS Northern Region
Children’s Home & Aid Society/Rockford 815-720-2111
( Serves Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson,
Winnebago & Whiteside counties)
Metropolitan Family Services/DuPage 630-784-4894
( Serves DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall,
Lake, McHenry, Kankakee and Will counties)
DCFS Central Region
Cornerstone/Quincy 217-222-8254
( Serves Adams, Brown, Cass, Northern Calhoun, Greene, Hancock, Morgan,
Pike, Schuyler and Scott counties)
Lutheran Social Services/Peoria, Galesburg, Rock Island 309-671-0300 x4237
( Serves Bureau, Fulton, Henderson, Henry, Knox, LaSalle, Logan, Marshall, Mason,
McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Tazewell,
Warren and Woodford counties)
The Baby Fold–Bloomington/Champaign, Springeld 309-557-1149
( Serves Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Edgar,
Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, McLean,
Menard, Montgomery, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby and Vermilion counties)
• 15 •
Family Core/Peoria 309-676-2400 x290
( Serves Peoria, Tazwell, Woodford, McDonough, Mason, Logan,
Dewitt, McClean, Livingston, Marshall, Putnam, Bureau,
Stark, Knox, Fulton and Warren counties)
DCFS Southern Region
Children’s Home & Aid Society/Granite City 618-452-8900 x101
( Serves Bond, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Randolph,
S. Calhoun, St. Clair and Washington counties)
Children’s Home & Aid Society/Herrin 618-452-8900 x101
( Serves Alexander, Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Engham, Fayette, Franklin,
Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jeerson, Johnson,
Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Saline,
Union, Wabash, Wayne, White and Williamson counties)
Families in counties that are served by two or more agencies, according to
address can choose between them or call to be referred to the appropriate
agency.
For specialty counseling service needs or services/providers outside
of those identied in this section, please contact your subsidy support
specialist for availability and prior approval. These services should not
be started prior to approval from the Subsidy Support Unit. If you are
unsure if the service you are seeking has been approved, please contact
your subsidy support specialist.
Adoption and Guardianship Respite Program
Respite Services are available to children who were adopted or have gone through subsidized
guardianship placement with Illinois DCFS.
Respite services are dened as short-term, temporary care provided for children to give some
relief to the adoptive or subsidized guardianship family. Respite components may include any
or all the following: mentoring, hourly in-home, out-of-home and overnight respite care; and
specialized camp experiences. The respite care may be regularly scheduled or may be requested
on an emergency basis. Respite services are typically short-term
(six months to one year).
An initial assessment is completed on the family and child to develop a service plan which
will oer the appropriate type of respite for that family. Services may be provided up to one
year. There is no cost for participation in this respite program.
Agency Respite Service Providers
DCFS Cook County Regions
Catholic Charities-Chicago 773-630-4122
Metropolitan Family Services 630-784-4894
DCFS Northern Region
CHASI-Rockford 815-720-2111
( Serves Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle,
Stephenson, Winnebago and Whiteside counties)
Metropolitan Family Services 630-784-4894
( Serves DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake,
McHenry and Will counties)
• 16 •
DCFS Central Region
Baby Fold 309-557-1149
( Serves Christian, Clark, Cumberland, Coles, DeWitt,
Douglas, Edgar, Iroquois, Macon, Macoupin, McLean,
Menard, Montgomery, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby
and Vermilion counties)
Cornerstone 217-222-8254
( Serves Adams, Brown, Northern Calhoun, Cass, Greene,
Hancock, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler and Scott counties)
Family Core 309-676-2400 x290
(Serves Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties)
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois 309-671-0300 x4237
( Serves Bureau, Fulton, Henderson, Henry, Knox, LaSalle, Logan,
Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam,
Rock Island, S. Calhoun, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford counties)
DCFS Southern Region
CHASI-Granite City 618-452-8900 x101
( Serves Bond, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison,
Monroe, Randolph, S. Calhoun, St. Clair and Washington counties)
CHASI-Herrin 618-452-8900 x101
( Serves Alexander, Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Engham,
Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson,
Jasper, Jeerson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope,
Pulaski, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White and Williamson counties)
• 17 •
Family First
Family First has several provisions to enhance support services for families to help children
remain at home with their families, reduce unnecessary use of congregate care and build
the capacity of communities to support children and families. This is being achieved
by emphasizing prevention, early intervention and the use of family-centered, trauma-
informed, and strength-based interventions throughout Illinois.
Understanding the impact of trauma and shiing our mindset to view families through a
trauma-informed lens creates a more compassionate and eective approach while serving
families using interventions that are known to be eective. Evidenced Based Interventions
involve approaches to prevention and/or treatment that are validated by documented
scientic evidence. This includes ndings established through controlled clinical studies,
but other methods of establishing evidence are valid as well. This, along with providing the
appropriate Evidenced Based Intervention to families, will lead to more positive, sustaining
outcomes for children and their families.
Below are the various Family First interventions:
• Child Parent Psychotherapy https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/
• Nurturing Parenting Program https://www.nurturingparenting.com/
• Multi-Systemic Therapy www.mstservices.com
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy https://tfcbt.org/
• Positive Parenting Program www.triplep.net
For more information and referrals please contact your subsidy support specialist at
866-538-8892 to be connected.
Search and Reunion Services
The DCFS Closed File Information and Search program provides
information from DCFS les and can help you locate birth relatives.
If you are an adult adopted person or the adoptive or guardianship
parent of a minor, you are entitled to receive certain information.
Midwest Adoption Center (MAC) is a statewide program that
will attempt to locate DCFS les and prepare documents for your
review. It can include nonidentifying information about biological
relatives, medical and social history, a description of how the child
came into care and a record of placements before adoption or
guardianship.
The law does not permit DCFS to release identifying information
from the les such as the names and addresses of others. However,
you can request search service to help locate relatives including
birth parents, siblings, grandparents and others. If they can locate
the sought out relative, the MAC caseworker will explain the reason for the outreach and
every attempt will be made to negotiate an arrangement that is comfortable for everyone.
You may want to exchange some information through your MAC caseworker, communicate
by letter without revealing your name, or you and your relative may decide to have direct
contact. This program is not intended to provide in-depth counseling, but assistance and
support will be oered to you and to your birth relative throughout the process. There is no
fee for service.
• 18 •
The Condential Intermediary Service of Illinois assists those who were private adoptees as
well as adopted parents and birth relatives of these adoptees in search and reunion services,
on the condition that either the adoption or birth took a place in Illinois.
An intake worker is available to answer any questions regarding the steps necessary to
le a petition in court. A Condential Intermediary (CI) appointed by court contacts the
petitioner and keeps them updated on the case. Supportive counseling is provided to the
initiating client as requested throughout the life of the case.
To request service, please call or email Midwest Adoption Center. Forms can also be
downloaded from the MAC website:
www.macadopt.org
Midwest Adoption Center
847-298-9096 ext. 21
mac@macadopt.org
Illinois Adoption Registry
The Illinois Adoption Registry provides a way for certain individuals involved in an adoption
in Illinois to locate other people involved in the adoption. Persons who were adopted or
surrendered for adoption, their birth parents, birth siblings, adoptive parents and legal
guardians of an adopted person may le their consent to exchange information with others
involved in the adoption. If done in compliance with the law, information may be exchanged
without the need for a court order.
Condential facts may be released to registrants only aer at least two parties to the
adoption have led their consent to exchange the specied information.
The following individuals may register:
• Birth parents.
• Adopted or surrendered person, 21 years of age or older.
• Surviving relative of deceased (adult child of adopted or remaining adoptive parent
of minor child or adoptive parent).
• Surviving relative of deceased birth parent (adult child or brother or sister of parent).
• Adoptive parents of adopted individuals under age 21.
• Legal guardians of adopted or surrendered persons.
The Adoption Registry also includes a medical exchange. The Medical Information Exchange
Questionnaire asks questions about diseases or conditions that medical professionals believe
may be inherited or have a genetic link, that is, illnesses that “run in families.” These diseases
and conditions are of interest to other biological family members and their physicians
because knowing about them may alert the family members and physicians to watch more
carefully for certain signs and symptoms and to take preventive action. Medical history
can be exchanged condentially without revealing identities. No identity will be exchanged
unless all parties agree.
For more information about the Adoption Registry, contact:
Illinois Department of Public Health/Division of Vital Records
925 E. Ridgeley Ave.
Springeld 62702-2737,
877-323-5299
dphvitals@illinois.gov
Forms and application can be found at:
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/birth-death-other-records/adoption/iarmie
• 19 •
Arranging Future Plans for Your Child
Families are oen concerned about planning for an adopted or guardianship child in their
care in the event something unforeseen occurs. There are various options available to
assist you in future planning for your child.
Your attorney can assist you with the legal
requirements for the following options:
Standby Adoption
Standby adoption is a court-approved arrangement that provides for a future adoption
of your child if needed. Standby adoption allows you to ask the court to appoint a person
or persons as standby adoptive parent(s) of your child, and that person “stands by” until
needed. The standby adoptive parent doesn’t take custody of your child until the adoption
becomes nal, when a) you decide that you want the adoption to be nal or b) upon your
death. In the meantime, you retain all your rights as a parent, and custody of your child.
Standby guardianship
A standby guardianship is a legal arrangement approved by a judge that provides for future
care for your child, but only if it is needed. It allows you to appoint someone as legal
guardian of your child, but that person “stands by” until needed. In other words, the standby
guardian does not take custody of your children immediately, but only at some point in the
future when you are no longer able to take care of your children yourself.
Short-term guardianship
A short-term guardianship is a private legal arrangement between you and the person you
want to take care of your child. A short-term guardian is not a permanent arrangement.
The person that you appoint as short-term guardian will only have authority to act as
guardian for as long as 365 days. It is very useful if you are going to be hospitalized or are
entering a residential program or facility where you will need to be without your children.
Greenlight Family Services
Greenlight Family Services’ (previously known as The Center for Law & Social Work),
mission is to create, preserve and protect families. The agency assists families who have gone
through subsidized adoption and guardianship with legal, therapeutic and case management
services. They provide direction and assistance with backup planning, adult guardianship
for adults with disabilities, temporary guardianship, educational advocacy, assistance with
subsequent adoptions or subsidized guardianship aer death or incapacitation of a caregiver
and crisis clinical services. Greenlight Family Services covers the entire state of Illinois. For
more information, visit https://greenlightfamilyservices.org/
319 E. Madison, Suite 4G
Springeld, IL 62701
3636 S. Iron St.
Chicago, IL 60609
or 773-728-7800.
Notifying your subsidy support specialist
Please note that you will need to advise your regional subsidy support specialist of any
standby or short-term arrangements that you are contemplating or any time you make
alternate long-term arrangements for your child’s care. Eligibility for a subsidy in a
subsequent adoption or guardianship must be determined by subsidy support sta and
a new subsidy document must be signed prior to the nalization of a new adoption or
guardianship.
• 20 •
Part 3: Resources for training and advocacy
after adoption and guardianship
DCFS foster and adoptive parent training information
All statewide DCFS foster and adoptive parent training is scheduled and coordinated by the
DCFS Oce Learning and Professional Development (OLPD). Contact the OLPD at 877-
800-3393 to register for classes, track training credit and have questions answered.
Adoption Learning Partners
AdoptionLearningPartners.org oers courses and webinars that give parents tools they can
use immediately at home. The courses oer advice on what children need to know, what
words to use to explain adoption, how to help your child, coping with grief and loss, forming
identity in the teenage years, disciplining an adopted child and advocating for your child.
Many courses are FREE to DCFS families and training credits are available. During
registration make sure to choose Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as
your agency. Courses never expire and are in your account forever. Registration takes a few
minutes; information lasts a lifetime.
For more information, visit www.AdoptionLearningPartners.org, call
800-566-3995, or e-mail info@adoptionlearningpartners.org.
The Illinois Adoption Advisory Council
Serving adoptive and subsidized guardianship families
The council began in November 2000 and was created to guide the department in several
areas: assisting the department with nding new homes for waiting children, supporting
families and children in the adoption and subsidized guardianship process and supporting
these families aer the permanency is achieved. The Adoption Council’s membership
includes adoptive/subsidized guardianship parents, adoptees, and other experts throughout
the state of Illinois. For questions or inquiries about how to join the council reach out to:
DCFS.AdoptionAdvisoryCouncil@illinois.gov
Advocacy Oce for Children and Families
DCFS established The Advocacy Oce for Children and Families to receive and respond
to concerns presented to DCFS regarding the child welfare system in Illinois. Advocacy
Oce sta function as advocates on behalf of the best interest of the child, providing
assistance in seeking resolution to a problem when the caller has not been able, or does
not know how, to nd a satisfactory resolution.
The Advocacy Oce accepts concerns by phone, electronic mail, letters or in person.
Anyone can call the Advocacy Oce and speak with an advocate. To present issues or obtain
information about child welfare services from DCFS or its agents contact the Advocacy
Oce at:
1-800-232-3798 (toll-free).
DCFS.advocacy@illinois.gov
406 E. Monroe St.
Springeld, IL 62701
• 21 •
National and Internet Resources
The Internet has become an important source of information for busy families with
computer access at home or through their local public library. You will nd a wealth of
state and national information about adoption and guardianship on the Internet.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services website: DCFS.illinois.gov is
one place to obtain information regarding post-adoption and guardianship resources.
Other websites are as follows:
Adopt America Network
3100 W. Central Ave., Ste 225
Toledo, OH 43606
800-246-1731
www.adoptamericanetwork.org
email:
adoption@adoptamericanetwork.org
Adoptive Families of America
(AFA) Magazine
108 W. 39th St., Ste 805
New York, NY 10018
800-372-3300
www.adoptivefamilies.com
email:
customerservice@adoptivefamilies.com
Center for Adoption Support
and Education Headquarters
3919 National Drive, Ste 200
Burtonsville, MD 20866
301-476-8525
Fax: 301-476-8526
https://adoptionsupport.org/
Child Welfare Information
Gateway Children’s Bureau/
ACYF
330 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20201
800-394-3366
www.childwelfare.gov/index.cfm
email: info@childwelfare.gov
Child Welfare League of
America (CWLA)
727 15th St. NW, 12th Fl.
Washington, DC 20005
202-688-4200
Fax: 202-833-1689
www.cwla.org
email: cwla@cwla.org
Children Awaiting Parents,
Inc. (CAP)
274 N. Goodman St, Ste D103
Rochester, NY 14607
888-835-8802 or 585-232-5110
https://childrenawaitingparents.org/
email: info@capbook.org
Collaboration to
Adopt US Kids
Adoption Exchange
Association
605 Global Way, Ste 100
Linthicum, MD 21090
888-200-4005
877-236-7831 (Español)
www.adoptuskids.org
email: info@adoptuskids
espanol@adoptuskids.org (Español)
Greenlight Family Services
3636 S Iron St, Ste 240
Chicago, IL 60640
https://greenlightfamilyservices.org
National Adoption Center
(NAC)
1500 Walnut St, 701
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-735-9988
800-TO ADOPT
Fax: 215-735-9410
www.adopt.org
email: ac@adopt.org
North American Council on
Adoptable Children (NACAC)
970 Raymond Ave., Ste 106
St. Paul, MN 55114-1149
651-644-3036
www.nacac.org
email: info@nacac.org
National Quality
Improvement Center for
Adoption & Guardianship
Support & Preservation
16250 Northland Dr, Suite 100
Southeld, MI 48075
248-443-0306
Fax: 248-443-7099
https://qic-ag.org/
PACT, An Adoption Alliance
5515 Doyle St., Ste. 1
Emeryville, CA 94608
510-243-9460
Fax: 510-243-9970
www.pactadopt.org
email: [email protected]g
Spaulding for Children /
National Resource Center for
Special Needs Adoption
16250 Northland Dr., Ste 120
Southeld, MI 48075
248-443-0300
Fax: 248-443-7099
www.spaulding.org
NOTE: Websites listed in this booklet are solely for the convenience of the reader. Inclusion in this listing does not
imply an endorsement of that organization, website or individual by the Illinois Department of Children and Family
Services (DCFS). DCFS is not responsible for the maintenance of any website shown other than its own.
• 22 •
Part 4: Additional family resources
Income-based services and resources
Daycare for children over 3
Adoptive or guardianship families with children three years of age and older who do not
qualify for therapeutic day care may still be eligible for day care assistance through the
Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Parents must meet the following criteria to
receive daycare assistance:
• Illinois resident.
• You are working and meet income requirements.
• You receive TANF.
• You are a teen parent enrolled full-time in elementary or high school or GED
program.
• Family with a special needs child(ren).
All families pay a portion of the cost as a co-payment. The amount of the family’s co-
payment is based on income and family size. Call the DHS toll-free day care referral line,
877-20-CHILD or visit www.dhs.state.il.us and click the child care link. By entering a zip
code, the call will be connected to the referral agency serving that area.
Need help nding child care?
Call Illinois Action for Children at 312-823-1100 option 3. If you are located outside
of Cook County, ask for a Parent Referral Line that serves your county. Families from
around the state can also call the DHS toll-free referral line (877-20-CHILD). Visit the
website at www.actforchildren.org
All Kids Healthcare
All Kids is a state program oering health care coverage or help in paying premiums of
employer-sponsored or private insurance plans for children through age 18. For eligibility
requirements or moreinformation,call 866-255-5437 or visit https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/
MedicalPrograms/AllKids/Pages/default.aspx. This program cannot be used in conjunction
with the medical card obtained with the subsidy.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a special tax benet for people who work who are low or
moderate income. The EIC is a refundable credit, so if you normally owe taxes at ling time
you may owe less or even receive a refund. For families that typically receive a refund it will
increase the size of your refund. Benets and eligibility may change each year. To obtain this
benet, families only need to complete their tax form (1040 or 1040A) and attach Schedule
EIC. More information on EIC can be obtained by calling the Internal Revenue Service at
1-800-829-1040 or go to www.irs.gov.
• 23 •
Resources for older parents
Are you over 60 and raising children or grandchildren? The Illinois Department of Aging’s
Senior Helpline at 800-252-8966 (Voice) and 800-206-1327 (TTY) refers callers to programs
or services related to any health or aging issue.
Website: www2.illinois.gov/aging
Email: aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov
Anyone over age 60 will also nd a wealth of information through AARP (American
Association of Retired Persons) English: 1-888-687-2277 Spanish: 1866-238-9488
(TTY English: 1-877-434-7598 Spanish: 1866-238-9488) or visit www.aarp.org. AARP
also maintains a separate Grandparent Information Center for grandparents raising
grandchildren.
Metropolitan Older Caregivers Project
This Metropolitan Family Services program serves caregivers 60 years old and over who are
currently raising children they have adopted or obtained guardianship of or who plan to
move towards adoption or guardianship and are under the age of 18 years old. The goal of
the program is to establish a stronger support system that will help caregivers continue to
care for the children in their care. In cases where this is not possible, program sta assists
families in making new and more appropriate arrangements that ensures the safety, well-
being and permanency of the children. These services are only provided to residents of Cook
County and some surrounding counties. Contact them at
773-884-2260.
Resources for individuals with disabilities
Home services
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) oers home services to qualifying Illinois
residents aimed at enabling individuals with disabilities to remain at home. Available services
include: personal assistant, homemaker services, maintenance home health, electronic
home response, home delivered meals, adult day care, assistive equipment, environmental
modication and respite care. To nd your local DHS counselor to see if you, your child or
your family qualies, call 800-843-6154 (Voice) and 866324-5553 (TTY).
All DHS rules and services are also given on the website: www.dhs.state.il.us.
Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS)
You may start planning for adult services for your child as early as they turn 16 and a half.
The Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) is a statewide database that
records needed services for children and adults with a developmental disability who have an
unmet service need anticipated in the next ve years. This service is provided by the Illinois
Department of Human Services (DHS). For more information visit:
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=41131
Signing Up for PUNS
Individuals who want to be on PUNS should contact the Independent Service Coordination
(ISC) agency in their area. You can locate your ISC agency by:
Calling Division of Developmental Disabilities Hotline at 1-888-DD-PLANS and 1-866-
376-8446 (TTY) during business hours. When prompted by the recording, type in your ZIP
Code and you will be connected with your local ISC agency.
Note: Completion of a PUNS form does not guarantee that an individual is eligible for services
or will be provided services.
• 24 •
Advocacy services
Equip for Equality, Inc. is the corporation designated in Illinois as the protection and
advocacy system for people with physical disabilities, mental illness and developmental
disabilities.
Equip for Equality, Inc. oers:
• Professional advocates and attorneys who provide technical assistance and advice in
self-advocacy and direct legal services.
• Monitoring of agencies responsible for delivering services to people with disabilities
to ensure compliance with individual rights.
• Lobbying for laws to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
• A quarterly publication,
The Equalizer.
Disability-rights training to help people with disabilities and their families become better
advocates for their rights.
For further information about services, contact your nearest regional oce or visit
www.equipforequality.org.
Main Oce
20 N. Michigan Ave., Ste 300
Chicago, IL 60602
312-341-0022
800-537-2632
800-610-2779 (TTY line)
Central Region
1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Ste 816
Springeld, IL 62701
800-758-0464
Southern Region
300 E. Main St., Ste 18
Carbondale, IL 62901
800-758-0559
• 25 •
Training funds for family members of persons with
a disability
Each year Illinois allocates training funds to families of persons with a disability to attend
training related to the family member’s disability. Only individuals - not agencies or
organizations - may apply. The amount of funds available and eligibility guidelines may
change each state scal year. They also have a free lending library consisting of books,
journals and DVDs related to early childhood, parenting and young children with special
needs.
Call the Early Intervention Clearinghouse at 877-275-3227 or email at
Illinois-eic@illinois.edu
for information or for an application and training opportunities. You can also visit at
https://eiclearinghouse.org
UIC specialized care for children
This program serves families in all counties across the state of Illinois and partners with
communities to help children and youth with special healthcare needs connect to services
and resources.
• Accessing diagnostic tests
• Finding specialized medical care
• Using insurance & All Kids / Medicaid
• Finding resources & information
• Developing a care coordination plan
• Communicating with doctors, specialists & schools
• Preparing for transition
• Paying for certain medical expenses
For more information call 800-322-3722 or visit https://dscc.uic.edu/
Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois
DCFS #503
•
Mar 2023
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1,000 copies
CFS 1050-45
•
rev 4/3/2023 at 13:10
DCFSisanequalopportunityemployerandprohibits
discriminationinallofitsprogramsand/orservices.
pathbeyondadoption.illinois.gov
DCFS Subsidy Support Toll-Free Line 866-538-8892
DCFS.illinois.gov
