Illini Christian Ministries, Inc.

We believe that adoption is a beautiful covenant, dating all the way back to the time of Moses. Adoption is a blessing, not only to the orphans, but also to the adoptive family. It is the goal of Illini Christian Ministries to assist adoptive families as they navigate the journey of adoption. We have many services and resources available to adoptive families. ICM provides home study services for Christian couples and individuals who wish to adopt domestically or internationally. ICM provides placement services for families seeking a domestic adoption. ICM works cooperatively with placement agencies to better serve adoptive families. ICM provides services to pregnant women in the state of Illinois who are seeking to make an adoption plan for their child. Illini Christian Ministries provides adoption services regardless of race, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, or handicap. In maintaining efficiency of adoption services, the agencies ensures that prospective adoptive parents meet the guidelines and eligibility requirements set forth by Illini Christian Ministries, the state and federal governments, and the foreign governments. These requirements are not upheld in an act of discrimination, but in compliance with set policies. Complaints of discrimination can be filed directly with Illini Christian Ministries, and also with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

The Domestic Adoption Process: Identify your home study and placement agencies (if different agencies), and apply to both; Complete the home study process; Complete your adoption profile to be shown to prospective birthparents; Submit your home study and family adoption profile to your placement agency, and wait for the news that a birthmother has chosen your family; Once your family has been chosen, and the baby has been born, the birthparents parental rights will be voluntarily terminated; Bring the child home from the hospital or soon after release from the hospital; Complete the post adoption requirements. The Intercountry Adoption Process: Determine the country from which you will be pursuing an adoption; Identify the placement agency you will use, and also the home study agency you will use, and apply to both; Complete the home study process; Receive approval to adopt from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services; Apply to Immigration Services for approval to adopt a child internationally; Complete your dossier; Once approval from Immigration Services is received, submit your dossier, and wait for the referral of your child; The number of trips you will take to the foreign country will depend on the requirements of the country from which you are adopting; Bring your child home!; Complete the post adoption requirements.