There Is a Newer Version of the Illinois Compiled Statutes
  1. 2024 Illinois Comp. Stat.
  2. 2023 Illinois Comp. Stat.
  3. 2022 Illinois Comp. Stat.
  4. 2005 Illinois Comp. Stat. (here)
  5. View All Versions
View Our Newest Version Here

2005 Illinois Code - Chapter 750 Families 750 ILCS 50/      Adoption Act.

    (750 ILCS 50/0.01) (from Ch. 40, par. 1500)
    Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Adoption Act.
(Source: P.A. 86‑1324.)

    (750 ILCS 50/1)(from Ch. 40, par. 1501)
    Sec. 1. Definitions. When used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:
    A. "Child" means a person under legal age subject to adoption under this Act.
    B. "Related child" means a child subject to adoption where either or both of the adopting parents stands in any of the following relationships to the child by blood or marriage: parent, grand‑parent, brother, sister, step‑parent, step‑grandparent, step‑brother, step‑sister, uncle, aunt, great‑uncle, great‑aunt, or cousin of first degree. A child whose parent has executed a final irrevocable consent to adoption or a final irrevocable surrender for purposes of adoption, or whose parent has had his or her parental rights terminated, is not a related child to that person, unless the consent is determined to be void or is void pursuant to subsection O of Section 10.
    C. "Agency" for the purpose of this Act means a public child welfare agency or a licensed child welfare agency.
    D. "Unfit person" means any person whom the court shall find to be unfit to have a child, without regard to the likelihood that the child will be placed for adoption. The grounds of unfitness are any one or more of the following, except that a person shall not be considered an unfit person for the sole reason that the person has relinquished a child in accordance with the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act:
        (a) Abandonment of the child.
        (a‑1) Abandonment of a newborn infant in a hospital.
        (a‑2) Abandonment of a newborn infant in any setting
    
where the evidence suggests that the parent intended to relinquish his or her parental rights.
        (b) Failure to maintain a reasonable degree of
    
interest, concern or responsibility as to the child's welfare.
        (c) Desertion of the child for more than 3 months
    
next preceding the commencement of the Adoption proceeding.
        (d) Substantial neglect of the child if continuous
    
or repeated.
        (d‑1) Substantial neglect, if continuous or
    
repeated, of any child residing in the household which resulted in the death of that child.
        (e) Extreme or repeated cruelty to the child.
        (f) There is a rebuttable presumption, which can be
    
overcome only by clear and convincing evidence, that a parent is unfit if:
            (1) Two or more findings of physical abuse have
        
been entered regarding any children under Section 2‑21 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the most recent of which was determined by the juvenile court hearing the matter to be supported by clear and convincing evidence; or
            (2) The parent has been convicted or found not
        
guilty by reason of insanity and the conviction or finding resulted from the death of any child by physical abuse; or
            (3) There is a finding of physical child abuse
        
resulting from the death of any child under Section 2‑21 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
            No conviction or finding of delinquency pursuant
        
to Article 5 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 shall be considered a criminal conviction for the purpose of applying any presumption under this item (f).
        (g) Failure to protect the child from conditions
    
within his environment injurious to the child's welfare.
        (h) Other neglect of, or misconduct toward the
    
child; provided that in making a finding of unfitness the court hearing the adoption proceeding shall not be bound by any previous finding, order or judgment affecting or determining the rights of the parents toward the child sought to be adopted in any other proceeding except such proceedings terminating parental rights as shall be had under either this Act, the Juvenile Court Act or the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
        (i) Depravity. Conviction of any one of the
    
following crimes shall create a presumption that a parent is depraved which can be overcome only by clear and convincing evidence: (1) first degree murder in violation of paragraph 1 or 2 of subsection (a) of Section 9‑1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or conviction of second degree murder in violation of subsection (a) of Section 9‑2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 of a parent of the child to be adopted; (2) first degree murder or second degree murder of any child in violation of the Criminal Code of 1961; (3) attempt or conspiracy to commit first degree murder or second degree murder of any child in violation of the Criminal Code of 1961; (4) solicitation to commit murder of any child, solicitation to commit murder of any child for hire, or solicitation to commit second degree murder of any child in violation of the Criminal Code of 1961; (5) predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in violation of Section 12‑14.1 of the Criminal Code of 1961; (6) heinous battery of any child in violation of the Criminal Code of 1961; or (7) aggravated battery of any child in violation of the Criminal Code of 1961.
        There is a rebuttable presumption that a parent is
    
depraved if the parent has been criminally convicted of at least 3 felonies under the laws of this State or any other state, or under federal law, or the criminal laws of any United States territory; and at least one of these convictions took place within 5 years of the filing of the petition or motion seeking termination of parental rights.
        There is a rebuttable presumption that a parent is
    
depraved if that parent has been criminally convicted of either first or second degree murder of any person as defined in the Criminal Code of 1961 within 10 years of the filing date of the petition or motion to terminate parental rights.
        No conviction or finding of delinquency pursuant to
    
Article 5 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 shall be considered a criminal conviction for the purpose of applying any presumption under this item (i).
        (j) Open and notorious adultery or fornication.
        (j‑1) (Blank).
        (k) Habitual drunkenness or addiction to drugs,
    
other than those prescribed by a physician, for at least one year immediately prior to the commencement of the unfitness proceeding.
        There is a rebuttable presumption that a parent is
    
unfit under this subsection with respect to any child to which that parent gives birth where there is a confirmed test result that at birth the child's blood, urine, or meconium contained any amount of a controlled substance as defined in subsection (f) of Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or metabolites of such substances, the presence of which in the newborn infant was not the result of medical treatment administered to the mother or the newborn infant; and the biological mother of this child is the biological mother of at least one other child who was adjudicated a neglected minor under subsection (c) of Section 2‑3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
        (l) Failure to demonstrate a reasonable degree of
    
interest, concern or responsibility as to the welfare of a new born child during the first 30 days after its birth.
        (m) Failure by a parent (i) to make reasonable
    
efforts to correct the conditions that were the basis for the removal of the child from the parent, or (ii) to make reasonable progress toward the return of the child to the parent within 9 months after an adjudication of neglected or abused minor under Section 2‑3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 or dependent minor under Section 2‑4 of that Act, or (iii) to make reasonable progress toward the return of the child to the parent during any 9‑month period after the end of the initial 9‑month period following the adjudication of neglected or abused minor under Section 2‑3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 or dependent minor under Section 2‑4 of that Act. If a service plan has been established as required under Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act to correct the conditions that were the basis for the removal of the child from the parent and if those services were available, then, for purposes of this Act, "failure to make reasonable progress toward the return of the child to the parent" includes (I) the parent's failure to substantially fulfill his or her obligations under the service plan and correct the conditions that brought the child into care within 9 months after the adjudication under Section 2‑3 or 2‑4 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and (II) the parent's failure to substantially fulfill his or her obligations under the service plan and correct the conditions that brought the child into care during any 9‑month period after the end of the initial 9‑month period following the adjudication under Section 2‑3 or 2‑4 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Notwithstanding any other provision, when a petition or motion seeks to terminate parental rights on the basis of item (iii) of this subsection (m), the petitioner shall file with the court and serve on the parties a pleading that specifies the 9‑month period or periods relied on. The pleading shall be filed and served on the parties no later than 3 weeks before the date set by the court for closure of discovery, and the allegations in the pleading shall be treated as incorporated into the petition or motion. Failure of a respondent to file a written denial of the allegations in the pleading shall not be treated as an admission that the allegations are true.
        (m‑1) Pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, a
    
child has been in foster care for 15 months out of any 22 month period which begins on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1998 unless the child's parent can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that it is more likely than not that it will be in the best interests of the child to be returned to the parent within 6 months of the date on which a petition for termination of parental rights is filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. The 15 month time limit is tolled during any period for which there is a court finding that the appointed custodian or guardian failed to make reasonable efforts to reunify the child with his or her family, provided that (i) the finding of no reasonable efforts is made within 60 days of the period when reasonable efforts were not made or (ii) the parent filed a motion requesting a finding of no reasonable efforts within 60 days of the period when reasonable efforts were not made. For purposes of this subdivision (m‑1), the date of entering foster care is the earlier of: (i) the date of a judicial finding at an adjudicatory hearing that the child is an abused, neglected, or dependent minor; or (ii) 60 days after the date on which the child is removed from his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
        (n) Evidence of intent to forgo his or her parental
    
rights, whether or not the child is a ward of the court, (1) as manifested by his or her failure for a period of 12 months: (i) to visit the child, (ii) to communicate with the child or agency, although able to do so and not prevented from doing so by an agency or by court order, or (iii) to maintain contact with or plan for the future of the child, although physically able to do so, or (2) as manifested by the father's failure, where he and the mother of the child were unmarried to each other at the time of the child's birth, (i) to commence legal proceedings to establish his paternity under the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984 or the law of the jurisdiction of the child's birth within 30 days of being informed, pursuant to Section 12a of this Act, that he is the father or the likely father of the child or, after being so informed where the child is not yet born, within 30 days of the child's birth, or (ii) to make a good faith effort to pay a reasonable amount of the expenses related to the birth of the child and to provide a reasonable amount for the financial support of the child, the court to consider in its determination all relevant circumstances, including the financial condition of both parents; provided that the ground for termination provided in this subparagraph (n)(2)(ii) shall only be available where the petition is brought by the mother or the husband of the mother.
        Contact or communication by a parent with his or her
    
child that does not demonstrate affection and concern does not constitute reasonable contact and planning under subdivision (n). In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the ability to visit, communicate, maintain contact, pay expenses and plan for the future shall be presumed. The subjective intent of the parent, whether expressed or otherwise, unsupported by evidence of the foregoing parental acts manifesting that intent, shall not preclude a determination that the parent has intended to forgo his or her parental rights. In making this determination, the court may consider but shall not require a showing of diligent efforts by an authorized agency to encourage the parent to perform the acts specified in subdivision (n).
        It shall be an affirmative defense to any allegation
    
under paragraph (2) of this subsection that the father's failure was due to circumstances beyond his control or to impediments created by the mother or any other person having legal custody. Proof of that fact need only be by a preponderance of the evidence.
        (o) Repeated or continuous failure by the parents,
    
although physically and financially able, to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, or shelter.
        (p) Inability to discharge parental responsibilities
    
supported by competent evidence from a psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist of mental impairment, mental illness or mental retardation as defined in Section 1‑116 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, or developmental disability as defined in Section 1‑106 of that Code, and there is sufficient justification to believe that the inability to discharge parental responsibilities shall extend beyond a reasonable time period. However, this subdivision (p) shall not be construed so as to permit a licensed clinical social worker to conduct any medical diagnosis to determine mental illness or mental impairment.
        (q) (Blank).
        (r) The child is in the temporary custody or
    
guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services, the parent is incarcerated as a result of criminal conviction at the time the petition or motion for termination of parental rights is filed, prior to incarceration the parent had little or no contact with the child or provided little or no support for the child, and the parent's incarceration will prevent the parent from discharging his or her parental responsibilities for the child for a period in excess of 2 years after the filing of the petition or motion for termination of parental rights.
        (s) The child is in the temporary custody or
    
guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services, the parent is incarcerated at the time the petition or motion for termination of parental rights is filed, the parent has been repeatedly incarcerated as a result of criminal convictions, and the parent's repeated incarceration has prevented the parent from discharging his or her parental responsibilities for the child.
        (t) A finding that at birth the child's blood,
    
urine, or meconium contained any amount of a controlled substance as defined in subsection (f) of Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or a metabolite of a controlled substance, with the exception of controlled substances or metabolites of such substances, the presence of which in the newborn infant was the result of medical treatment administered to the mother or the newborn infant, and that the biological mother of this child is the biological mother of at least one other child who was adjudicated a neglected minor under subsection (c) of Section 2‑3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, after which the biological mother had the opportunity to enroll in and participate in a clinically appropriate substance abuse counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation program.
    E. "Parent" means the father or mother of a lawful child of the parties or child born out of wedlock. For the purpose of this Act, a person who has executed a final and irrevocable consent to adoption or a final and irrevocable surrender for purposes of adoption, or whose parental rights have been terminated by a court, is not a parent of the child who was the subject of the consent or surrender, unless the consent is void pursuant to subsection O of Section 10.
    F. A person is available for adoption when the person is:
        (a) a child who has been surrendered for adoption to
    
an agency and to whose adoption the agency has thereafter consented;
        (b) a child to whose adoption a person authorized by
    
law, other than his parents, has consented, or to whose adoption no consent is required pursuant to Section 8 of this Act;
        (c) a child who is in the custody of persons who
    
intend to adopt him through placement made by his parents;
        (c‑1) a child for whom a parent has signed a
    
specific consent pursuant to subsection O of Section 10;
        (d) an adult who meets the conditions set forth in
    
Section 3 of this Act; or
        (e) a child who has been relinquished as defined in
    
Section 10 of the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act.
    A person who would otherwise be available for adoption shall not be deemed unavailable for adoption solely by reason of his or her death.
    G. The singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular and the "male" includes the "female", as the context of this Act may require.
    H. "Adoption disruption" occurs when an adoptive placement does not prove successful and it becomes necessary for the child to be removed from placement before the adoption is finalized.
    I. "Foreign placing agency" is an agency or individual operating in a country or territory outside the United States that is authorized by its country to place children for adoption either directly with families in the United States or through United States based international agencies.
    J. "Immediate relatives" means the biological parents, the parents of the biological parents and siblings of the biological parents.
    K. "Intercountry adoption" is a process by which a child from a country other than the United States is adopted.
    L. "Intercountry Adoption Coordinator" is a staff person of the Department of Children and Family Services appointed by the Director to coordinate the provision of services by the public and private sector to prospective parents of foreign‑born children.
    M. "Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children" is a law enacted by most states for the purpose of establishing uniform procedures for handling the interstate placement of children in foster homes, adoptive homes, or other child care facilities.
    N. "Non‑Compact state" means a state that has not enacted the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
    O. "Preadoption requirements" are any conditions established by the laws or regulations of the Federal Government or of each state that must be met prior to the placement of a child in an adoptive home.
    P. "Abused child" means a child whose parent or immediate family member, or any person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent:
        (a) inflicts, causes to be inflicted, or allows to
    
be inflicted upon the child physical injury, by other than accidental means, that causes death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any bodily function;
        (b) creates a substantial risk of physical injury to
    
the child by other than accidental means which would be likely to cause death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any bodily function;
        (c) commits or allows to be committed any sex
    
offense against the child, as sex offenses are defined in the Criminal Code of 1961 and extending those definitions of sex offenses to include children under 18 years of age;
        (d) commits or allows to be committed an act or acts
    
of torture upon the child; or
        (e) inflicts excessive corporal punishment.
    Q. "Neglected child" means any child whose parent or other person responsible for the child's welfare withholds or denies nourishment or medically indicated treatment including food or care denied solely on the basis of the present or anticipated mental or physical impairment as determined by a physician acting alone or in consultation with other physicians or otherwise does not provide the proper or necessary support, education as required by law, or medical or other remedial care recognized under State law as necessary for a child's well‑being, or other care necessary for his or her well‑being, including adequate food, clothing and shelter; or who is abandoned by his or her parents or other person responsible for the child's welfare.
    A child shall not be considered neglected or abused for the sole reason that the child's parent or other person responsible for his or her welfare depends upon spiritual means through prayer alone for the treatment or cure of disease or remedial care as provided under Section 4 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. A child shall not be considered neglected or abused for the sole reason that the child's parent or other person responsible for the child's welfare failed to vaccinate, delayed vaccination, or refused vaccination for the child due to a waiver on religious or medical grounds as permitted by law.
    R. "Putative father" means a man who may be a child's father, but who (1) is not married to the child's mother on or before the date that the child was or is to be born and (2) has not established paternity of the child in a court proceeding before the filing of a petition for the adoption of the child. The term includes a male who is less than 18 years of age. "Putative father" does not mean a man who is the child's father as a result of criminal sexual abuse or assault as defined under Article 12 of the Criminal Code of 1961.
    S. "Standby adoption" means an adoption in which a parent consents to custody and termination of parental rights to become effective upon the occurrence of a future event, which is either the death of the parent or the request of the parent for the entry of a final judgment of adoption.
    T. (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 93‑732, eff. 1‑1‑05; 94‑229, eff. 1‑1‑06; 94‑563, eff. 1‑1‑06; 94‑939, eff. 1‑1‑07.)

    (750 ILCS 50/2) (from Ch. 40, par. 1502)
    Sec. 2. Who may adopt a child.
    A. Any of the following persons, who is under no legal disability (except the minority specified in sub‑paragraph (b) and who has resided in the State of Illinois continuously for a period of at least 6 months immediately preceding the commencement of an adoption proceeding, or any member of the armed forces of the United States who has been domiciled in the State of Illinois for 90 days, may institute such proceeding:
    (a) A reputable person of legal age and of either sex, provided that if such person is married and has not been living separate and apart from his or her spouse for 12 months or longer, his or her spouse shall be a party to the adoption proceeding, including a husband or wife desiring to adopt a child of the other spouse, in all of which cases the adoption shall be by both spouses jointly;
    (b) A minor, by leave of court upon good cause shown.
    B. The residence requirement specified in paragraph A of this Section shall not apply to an adoption of a related child or to an adoption of a child placed by an agency.
(Source: P.A. 90‑608, eff. 6‑30‑98.)

    (750 ILCS 50/2.1) (from Ch. 40, par. 1503)
    Sec. 2.1. This Act shall be construed in concert with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Child Care Act of 1969, and the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
(Source: P.A. 85‑1209.)

    (750 ILCS 50/3) (from Ch. 40, par. 1504)
    Sec. 3. Who may be adopted.
    A male or female child, or an adult, may be adopted, provided the other conditions set forth in this Act are met, and further provided, with respect to an adult, that such adult has resided in the home of the persons intending to adopt him at any time for more than 2 years continuously preceding the commencement of an adoption proceeding, or in the alternative that such persons are related to him within a degree set forth in the definition of a related child in Section 1 of this Act.
(Source: Laws 1959, p. 1269.)

    (750 ILCS 50/4) (from Ch. 40, par. 1505)
    Sec. 4. Jurisdiction and venue.
    An adoption proceeding may be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which petitioners reside, or the county in which the person to be adopted resides, or was born, or the county in which the parents of such person reside, provided, however, if an agency has acquired the custody and control of a child and such agency is authorized to consent to the adoption of such child, the proceeding may be commenced in any county, and provided further that if a guardian of the person of such child has been appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, the proceeding may be commenced in any county.
(Source: Laws 1965, p. 3308.)

    (750 ILCS 50/4.1)(from Ch. 40, par. 1506)
    Sec. 4.1. Except for children placed with relatives by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act, placements under this Act shall comply with the Child Care Act of 1969 and the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. Placements of children born outside the United States or a territory thereof shall comply with rules promulgated by the United States Department of Immigration and Naturalization.
    Rules promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services shall include but not be limited to the following:
    (a) Any agency providing adoption services as defined in Section 2.24 of the Child Care Act of 1969 in this State:
        (i) Shall be licensed in this State as a child
    
welfare agency as defined in Section 2.08 of the Child Care Act of 1969; or
        (ii) Shall be licensed as a child placement agency
    
in a state which is a party to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and shall be approved by the Department to place children into Illinois in accordance with subsection (a‑5) of this Section; or
        (iii) Shall be licensed as a child placement agency
    
in a country other than the United States or, if located in such a country but not so licensed, shall provide information such as a license or court document which authorizes that agency to place children for adoption and to establish that such agency has legal authority to place children for adoption; or
        (iv) Shall be a child placement agency which is so
    
licensed in a non‑compact state and shall be approved by the Department to place children into Illinois in accordance with subsection (a‑5) of this Section, if such agency first files with the Department of Children and Family Services a bond with surety in the amount of $5,000 for each such child to ensure that such child shall not become a public charge upon this State. Such bond shall remain in effect until a judgment for adoption is entered with respect to such child pursuant to this Act. The Department of Children and Family Services may accept, in lieu of such bond, a written agreement with such agency which provides that such agency shall be liable for all costs associated with the placement of such child in the event a judgment of adoption is not entered, upon such terms and conditions as the Department deems appropriate.
    The rules shall also provide that any agency that places children for adoption in this State may not, in any policy or practice relating to the placement of children for adoption, discriminate against any child or prospective adoptive parent on the basis of race.
    (a‑5) Out‑of‑state private placing agencies that seek to place children into Illinois for the purpose of foster care or adoption shall provide all of the following to the Department:
        (i) A copy of the agency's current license or other
    
form of authorization from the approving authority in the agency's state. If no such license or authorization is issued, the agency must provide a reference statement from the approving authority stating the agency is authorized to place children in foster care or adoption or both in its jurisdiction.
        (ii) A description of the program, including home
    
studies, placements, and supervisions that the child placing agency conducts within its geographical area, and, if applicable, adoptive placements and the finalization of adoptions. The child placing agency must accept continued responsibility for placement planning and replacement if the placement fails.
        (iii) Notification to the Department of any
    
significant child placing agency changes after approval.
        (iv) Any other information the Department may
    
require.
    If the adoption is finalized prior to bringing or sending the child to Illinois, Department approval of the out‑of‑state child placing agency involved is not required under this Section, nor is compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
    (b) As an alternative to requiring the bond provided for in paragraph (a)(iv) of this Section, the Department of Children and Family Services may require the filing of such a bond by the individual or individuals seeking to adopt such a child through placement of such child by a child placement agency located in a state which is not a party to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
    (c) In the case of any foreign‑born child brought to the United States for adoption in this State, the following preadoption requirements shall be met:
        (1) Documentation that the child is legally free for
    
adoption prior to entry into the United States shall be submitted.
        (2) A medical report on the child, by authorized
    
medical personnel in the country of the child's origin, shall be provided when such personnel are available.
        (3) Verification that the adoptive family has been
    
licensed as a foster family home pursuant to the Child Care Act of 1969, as now or hereafter amended, shall be provided.
        (4) A valid home study conducted by a licensed child
    
welfare agency that complies with guidelines established by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service at 8 CFR 204.4(d)(2)(i), as now or hereafter amended, shall be submitted. A home study is considered valid if it contains:
            (i) A factual evaluation of the financial,
        
physical, mental and moral capabilities of the prospective parent or parents to rear and educate the child properly.
            (ii) A detailed description of the living
        
accommodations where the prospective parent or parents currently reside.
            (iii) A detailed description of the living
        
accommodations in the United States where the child will reside, if known.
            (iv) A statement or attachment recommending the
        
proposed adoption signed by an official of the child welfare agency which has conducted the home study.
        (5) The placing agency located in a non‑compact
    
state or a family desiring to adopt through an authorized placement party in a non‑compact state or a foreign country shall file with the Department of Children and Family Services a bond with surety in the amount of $5,000 as protection that a foreign‑born child accepted for care or supervision not become a public charge upon the State of Illinois.
        (6) In lieu of the $5,000 bond, the placement agency
    
may sign a binding agreement with the Department of Children and Family Services to assume full liability for all placements should, for any reason, the adoption be disrupted or not be completed, including financial and planning responsibility until the child is either returned to the country of its origin or placed with a new adoptive family in the United States and that adoption is finalized.
        (7) Compliance with the requirements of the
    
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, when applicable, shall be demonstrated.
        (8) When a child is adopted in a foreign country and
    
a final, complete and valid Order of Adoption is issued in that country, as determined by both the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Justice, this State shall not impose any additional preadoption requirements. The adoptive family, however, must comply with applicable requirements of the United States Department of Immigration and Naturalization as provided in 8 CFR 204.4 (d)(2)(ii), as now or hereafter amended.
    (d) The Department of Children and Family Services shall maintain the office of Intercountry Adoption Coordinator, shall maintain and protect the rights of families and children participating in adoption of foreign born children, and shall develop ongoing programs of support and services to such families and children. The Intercountry Adoption Coordinator shall determine that all preadoption requirements have been met and report such information to the Department of Immigration and Naturalization.
(Source: P.A. 94‑586, eff. 8‑15‑05.)

    (750 ILCS 50/5) (from Ch. 40, par. 1507)
    Sec. 5. Petition, contents, verification, filing.
    A. A proceeding to adopt a child, other than a related child, shall be commenced by the filing of a petition within 30 days after such child has become available for adoption, provided that such petition may be filed at a later date by leave of court upon a showing that the failure to file such petition within such 30 day period was not due to the petitioners' culpable negligence or their wilful disregard of the provisions of this Section. In the case of a child born outside the United States or a territory thereof, if the prospective adoptive parents of such child have been appointed guardians of such child by a court of competent jurisdiction in a country other than the United States or a territory thereof, such parents shall file a petition as provided in this Section within 30 days after entry of the child into the United States. A petition to adopt an adult or a related child may be filed at any time. A petition for adoption may include more than one person sought to be adopted.
    B. A petition to adopt a child other than a related child shall state:
        (a) The full names of the petitioners and, if
    
minors, their respective ages;
        (b) The place of residence of the petitioners and
    
the length of residence of each in the State of Illinois immediately preceding the filing of the petition;
        (c) When the petitioners acquired, or intend to
    
acquire, custody of the child, and the name and address of the persons or agency from whom the child was or will be received;
        (d) The name, the place and date of birth if known,
    
and the sex of the child sought to be adopted;
        (e) The relationship, if any, of the child to each
    
petitioner;
        (f) The names, if known, and the place of residence,
    
if known, of the parents; and whether such parents are minors, or otherwise under any legal disability. The names and addresses of the parents shall be omitted and they shall not be made parties defendant to the petition if (1) the rights of the parents have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction, or (2) if the child has been surrendered to an agency, or (3) if the parent or parents have been served with the notice provided in Section 12a of this Act and said parent or parents have filed a disclaimer of paternity as therein provided or have failed to file such declaration of paternity or a request for notice as provided in said Section;
        (g) If it is alleged that the child has no living
    
parent, then the name of the guardian, if any, of such child and the court which appointed such guardian;
        (h) If it is alleged that the child has no living
    
parent and that no guardian of such child is known to petitioners, then the name of a near relative, if known, shall be set forth, or an allegation that no near relative is known and on due inquiry cannot be ascertained by petitioners;
        (i) The name to be given the child or adult;
        (j) That the person or agency, having authority to
    
consent under Section 8 of this Act, has consented, or has indicated willingness to consent, to the adoption of the child by the petitioners, or that the person having authority to consent is an unfit person and the ground therefor, or that no consent is required under paragraph (f) of Section 8 of this Act;
        (k) Whatever orders, judgments or decrees have
    
heretofore been entered by any court affecting (1) adoption or custody of the child, or (2) the adoptive, custodial or parental rights of either petitioner, including the prior denial of any petition for adoption pertaining to such child, or to the petitioners, or either of them.

    C. A petition to adopt a related child shall include the information specified in sub‑paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (i) and (k) of paragraph B and a petition to adopt an adult shall contain the information required by sub‑paragraphs (a), (b) and (i) of paragraph B in addition to the name, place, date of birth and sex of such adult.
    D. The petition shall be verified by the petitioners.
    E. Upon the filing of the petition the petitioners shall furnish the Clerk of the Court in which the petition is pending such information not contained in such petition as shall be necessary to enable the Clerk of such Court to complete a certificate of adoption as hereinafter provided.
    F. A petition for standby adoption shall conform to the requirements of this Act with respect to petition contents, verification, and filing. The petition for standby adoption shall also state the facts concerning the consent of the child's parent to the standby adoption. A petition for standby adoption shall include the information in paragraph B if the petitioner seeks to adopt a child other than a related child. A petition for standby adoption shall include the information in paragraph C if the petitioner seeks to adopt a related child or adult.
(Source: P.A. 91‑357, eff. 7‑29‑99; 91‑572, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/6) (from Ch. 40, par. 1508)
    Sec. 6. A. Investigation; all cases. Within 10 days after the filing of a petition for the adoption or standby adoption of a child other than a related child, the court shall appoint a child welfare agency approved by the Department of Children and Family Services, or a person deemed competent by the court, or in Cook County the Court Services Division of the Cook County Department of Public Aid, or the Department of Children and Family Services if the court determines that no child welfare agency is available or that the petitioner is financially unable to pay for the investigation, to investigate accurately, fully and promptly, the allegations contained in the petition; the character, reputation, health and general standing in the community of the petitioners; the religious faith of the petitioners and, if ascertainable, of the child sought to be adopted; and whether the petitioners are proper persons to adopt the child and whether the child is a proper subject of adoption. The investigation required under this Section shall include a fingerprint based criminal background check with a review of fingerprints by the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each petitioner subject to this investigation, shall submit his or her fingerprints to the Department of State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Department of State Police. These fingerprints shall be checked against the fingerprint records now and hereafter filed in the Department of State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history records databases. The Department of State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the criminal history records check, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the records check. The criminal background check required by this Section shall include a listing of when, where and by whom the criminal background check was prepared. The criminal background check required by this Section shall not be more than two years old.
    Neither a clerk of the circuit court nor a judge may require that a criminal background check or fingerprint review be filed with, or at the same time as, an initial petition for adoption.
    B. Investigation; foreign‑born child. In the case of a child born outside the United States or a territory thereof, in addition to the investigation required under subsection (A) of this Section, a post‑placement investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Child Care Act of 1969, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, and regulations of the foreign placing agency and the supervising agency.
    The requirements of a post‑placement investigation shall be deemed to have been satisfied if a valid final order or judgment of adoption has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in a country other than the United States or a territory thereof with respect to such child and the petitioners.
    C. Report of investigation. The court shall determine whether the costs of the investigation shall be charged to the petitioners. The information obtained as a result of such investigation shall be presented to the court in a written report. The results of the criminal background check required under subsection (A) shall be provided to the court for its review. The court may, in its discretion, weigh the significance of the results of the criminal background check against the entirety of the background of the petitioners. The Court, in its discretion, may accept the report of the investigation previously made by a licensed child welfare agency, if made within one year prior to the entry of the judgment. Such report shall be treated as confidential and withheld from inspection unless findings adverse to the petitioners or to the child sought to be adopted are contained therein, and in that event the court shall inform the petitioners of the relevant portions pertaining to the adverse findings. In no event shall any facts set forth in the report be considered at the hearing of the proceeding, unless established by competent evidence. The report shall be filed with the record of the proceeding. If the file relating to the proceeding is not impounded, the report shall be impounded by the clerk of the court and shall be made available for inspection only upon order of the court.
    D. Related adoption. Such investigation shall not be made when the petition seeks to adopt a related child or an adult unless the court, in its discretion, shall so order. In such an event the court may appoint a person deemed competent by the court.
(Source: P.A. 93‑418, eff. 1‑1‑04.)

    (750 ILCS 50/7)(from Ch. 40, par. 1509)
    Sec. 7. Process.
    A. All persons named in the petition for adoption or standby adoption, other than the petitioners and any party who has previously either denied being a parent pursuant to Section 12a of this Act or whose rights have been terminated pursuant to Section 12a of this Act, but including the person sought to be adopted, shall be made parties defendant by name, and if the name or names of any such persons are alleged in the petition to be unknown such persons shall be made parties defendant under the name and style of "All whom it may concern". In all such actions petitioner or his attorney shall file, at the office of the clerk of the court in which the action is pending, an affidavit showing that the defendant resides or has gone out of this State, or on due inquiry cannot be found, or is concealed within this State, so that process cannot be served upon him, and stating the place of residence of the defendant, if known, or that upon diligent inquiry his place of residence cannot be ascertained, the clerk shall cause publication to be made in some newspaper published in the county in which the action is pending. If there is no newspaper published in that county, then the publication shall be in a newspaper published in an adjoining county in this State, having a circulation in the county in which such action is pending. In the event there is service on any of the parties by publication, the publication shall contain notice of pendency of the action, the name of the person to be adopted and the name of the parties to be served by publication, and the date on or after which default may be entered against such parties. Neither the name of petitioners nor the name of any party who has either surrendered said child, has given their consent to the adoption of the child, or whose parental rights have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be included in the notice of publication. The Clerk shall also, within ten (10) days of the first publication of the notice, send a copy thereof by mail, addressed to each defendant whose place of residence is stated in such affidavit. The certificate of the Clerk that he sent the copies pursuant to this section is evidence that he has done so. Except as provided in this section pertaining to service by publication, all parties defendant shall be notified of the proceedings in the same manner as is now or may hereafter be required in other civil cases or proceedings. Any party defendant who is of age of 14 years or upward may waive service of process by entering an appearance in writing. The form to be used for publication shall be substantially as follows: "ADOPTION NOTICE ‑ STATE OF ILLINOIS, County of ...., ss. ‑ Circuit Court of .... County. In the matter of the Petition for the Adoption of ...., a ..male child. Adoption No. ..... To‑‑ .... (whom it may concern or the named parent) Take notice that a petition was filed in the Circuit Court of .... County, Illinois, for the adoption of a child named ..... Now, therefore, unless you ...., and all whom it may concern, file your answer to the Petition in the action or otherwise file your appearance therein, in the said Circuit Court of ...., County, Room ...., ...., in the City of ...., Illinois, on or before the .... day of ...., a default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. Dated, ...., Illinois, .... ...., Clerk. (Name and address of attorney for petitioners.)
    B. A minor defendant who has been served in accordance with this Section may be defaulted in the same manner as any other defendant.
    C. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of this or any other law, and in addition to the notice requirements of any law pertaining to persons other than those specified in this subsection, the persons entitled to notice that a petition has been filed under Section 5 of this Act shall include:
        (a) any person adjudicated by a court in this State
    
to be the father of the child;
        (b) any person adjudicated by a court of another
    
state or territory of the United States to be the father of the child, when a certified copy of the court order has been filed with the Putative Father Registry under Section 12.1 of this Act;
        (c) any person who at the time of the filing of the
    
petition is registered in the Putative Father Registry under Section 12.1 of this Act as the putative father of the child;
        (d) any person who is recorded on the child's birth
    
certificate as the child's father;
        (e) any person who is openly living with the child
    
or the child's mother at the time the proceeding is initiated and who is holding himself out to be the child's father;
        (f) any person who has been identified as the
    
child's father by the mother in a written, sworn statement, including an Affidavit of Identification as specified under Section 11 of this Act;
        (g) any person who was married to the child's mother
    
on the date of the child's birth or within 300 days prior to the child's birth.
    The sole purpose of notice under this Section shall be to enable the person receiving notice to appear in the adoption proceedings to present evidence to the court relevant to whether the consent or surrender of the person to the adoption is required pursuant to Section 8 of this Act. If the court determines that the consent or surrender of the person is not required pursuant to Section 8, then the person shall not be entitled to participate in the proceedings or to any further notice of the proceedings.
(Source: P.A. 94‑530, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/8)(from Ch. 40, par. 1510)
    Sec. 8. Consents to adoption and surrenders for purposes of adoption.
    (a) Except as hereinafter provided in this Section consents or surrenders shall be required in all cases, unless the person whose consent or surrender would otherwise be required shall be found by the court:
        (1) to be an unfit person as defined in Section 1 of
    
this Act, by clear and convincing evidence; or
        (2) not to be the biological or adoptive father of
    
the child; or
        (3) to have waived his parental rights to the child
    
under Section 12a or 12.1 of this Act; or
        (4) to be the parent of an adult sought to be
    
adopted; or
        (5) to be the father of the child as a result of
    
criminal sexual abuse or assault as defined under Article 12 of the Criminal Code of 1961; or
        (6) to be the father of a child who:
            (i) is a family member of the mother of the
        
child, and the mother is under the age of 18 at the time of the child's conception; for purposes of this subsection, a "family member" is a parent, step‑parent, grandparent, step‑grandparent, sibling, or cousin of the first degree, whether by whole blood, half‑blood, or adoption, as well as a person age 18 or over at the time of the child's conception who has resided in the household with the mother continuously for at least one year; or
            (ii) is at least 5 years older than the child's
        
mother, and the mother was under the age of 17 at the time of the child's conception, unless the mother and father voluntarily acknowledge the father's paternity of the child by marrying or by establishing the father's paternity by consent of the parties pursuant to the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984 or pursuant to a substantially similar statute in another state.
        A criminal conviction of any offense pursuant to
    
Article 12 of the Criminal Code of 1961 is not required.
    (b) Where consents are required in the case of an adoption of a minor child, the consents of the following persons shall be sufficient:
        (1) (A) The mother of the minor child; and
            (B) The father of the minor child, if the father:
                (i) was married to the mother on the date of
            
birth of the child or within 300 days before the birth of the child, except for a husband or former husband who has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to be the biological father of the child; or
                (ii) is the father of the child under a
            
judgment for adoption, an order of parentage, or an acknowledgment of parentage or paternity pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 5 of the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984; or
                (iii) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents less than 6 months after birth, openly lived with the child, the child's biological mother, or both, and held himself out to be the child's biological father during the first 30 days following the birth of the child; or
                (iv) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents less than 6 months after birth, made a good faith effort to pay a reasonable amount of the expenses related to the birth of the child and to provide a reasonable amount for the financial support of the child before the expiration of 30 days following the birth of the child, provided that the court may consider in its determination all relevant circumstances, including the financial condition of both biological parents; or
                (v) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents more than 6 months after birth, has maintained substantial and continuous or repeated contact with the child as manifested by: (I) the payment by the father toward the support of the child of a fair and reasonable sum, according to the father's means, and either (II) the father's visiting the child at least monthly when physically and financially able to do so and not prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child, or (III) the father's regular communication with the child or with the person or agency having the care or custody of the child, when physically and financially unable to visit the child or prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child. The subjective intent of the father, whether expressed or otherwise unsupported by evidence of acts specified in this sub‑paragraph as manifesting such intent, shall not preclude a determination that the father failed to maintain substantial and continuous or repeated contact with the child; or
                (vi) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents more than six months after birth, openly lived with the child for a period of six months within the one year period immediately preceding the placement of the child for adoption and openly held himself out to be the father of the child; or
                (vii) has timely registered with Putative
            
Father Registry, as provided in Section 12.1 of this Act, and prior to the expiration of 30 days from the date of such registration, commenced legal proceedings to establish paternity under the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984 or under the law of the jurisdiction of the child's birth; or
        (2) The legal guardian of the person of the child,
    
if there is no surviving parent; or
        (3) An agency, if the child has been surrendered for
    
adoption to such agency; or
        (4) Any person or agency having legal custody of a
    
child by court order if the parental rights of the parents have been judicially terminated, and the court having jurisdiction of the guardianship of the child has authorized the consent to the adoption; or
        (5) The execution and verification of the petition
    
by any petitioner who is also a parent of the child sought to be adopted shall be sufficient evidence of such parent's consent to the adoption.
    (c) Where surrenders to an agency are required in the case of a placement for adoption of a minor child by an agency, the surrenders of the following persons shall be sufficient:
        (1) (A) The mother of the minor child; and
            (B) The father of the minor child, if the father:
                (i) was married to the mother on the date of
            
birth of the child or within 300 days before the birth of the child, except for a husband or former husband who has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to be the biological father of the child; or
                (ii) is the father of the child under a
            
judgment for adoption, an order of parentage, or an acknowledgment of parentage or paternity pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 5 of the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984; or
                (iii) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents less than 6 months after birth, openly lived with the child, the child's biological mother, or both, and held himself out to be the child's biological father during the first 30 days following the birth of a child; or
                (iv) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents less than 6 months after birth, made a good faith effort to pay a reasonable amount of the expenses related to the birth of the child and to provide a reasonable amount for the financial support of the child before the expiration of 30 days following the birth of the child, provided that the court may consider in its determination all relevant circumstances, including the financial condition of both biological parents; or
                (v) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents more than six months after birth, has maintained substantial and continuous or repeated contact with the child as manifested by: (I) the payment by the father toward the support of the child of a fair and reasonable sum, according to the father's means, and either (II) the father's visiting the child at least monthly when physically and financially able to do so and not prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child or (III) the father's regular communication with the child or with the person or agency having the care or custody of the child, when physically and financially unable to visit the child or prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child. The subjective intent of the father, whether expressed or otherwise, unsupported by evidence of acts specified in this sub‑paragraph as manifesting such intent, shall not preclude a determination that the father failed to maintain substantial and continuous or repeated contact with the child; or
                (vi) in the case of a child placed with the
            
adopting parents more than six months after birth, openly lived with the child for a period of six months within the one year period immediately preceding the placement of the child for adoption and openly held himself out to be the father of the child; or
                (vii) has timely registered with the
            
Putative Father Registry, as provided in Section 12.1 of this Act, and prior to the expiration of 30 days from the date of such registration, commenced legal proceedings to establish paternity under the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984, or under the law of the jurisdiction of the child's birth.
    (d) In making a determination under subparagraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1), no showing shall be required of diligent efforts by a person or agency to encourage the father to perform the acts specified therein.
    (e) In the case of the adoption of an adult, only the consent of such adult shall be required.
(Source: P.A. 93‑510, eff. 1‑1‑04; 94‑530, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/9) (from Ch. 40, par. 1511)
    Sec. 9. Time for taking a consent or surrender.
    A. A consent or a surrender taken not less than 72 hours after the birth of the child is irrevocable except as provided in Section 11 of this Act.
    B. No consent or surrender shall be taken within the 72 hour period immediately following the birth of the child.
    C. A consent or a surrender may be taken from the father prior to the birth of the child. Such consent or surrender shall be revoked if, within 72 hours after the birth of the child, the father who gave such consent or surrender, notifies in writing the person, agency or court representative who took the surrender or consent or any individual representing or connected with such person, agency or court representative of the revocation of the consent or surrender.
    D. Any consent or surrender taken in accordance with paragraph C above which is not revoked within 72 hours after the birth of the child is irrevocable except as provided in Section 11 of this Act.
    E. Consent may be given to a standby adoption by a parent whose consent is required pursuant to Section 8 of this Act to become effective when the consenting parent of the child dies or that parent requests that the final judgment of adoption be entered.
(Source: P.A. 93‑732, eff. 1‑1‑05.)

    (750 ILCS 50/10) (from Ch. 40, par. 1512)
    Sec. 10. Forms of consent and surrender; execution and acknowledgment thereof.     A. The form of consent required for the adoption of a born child shall be substantially as follows:
FINAL AND IRREVOCABLE CONSENT TO ADOPTION     I, ...., (relationship, e.g., mother, father, relative, guardian) of ...., a ..male child, state:
    That such child was born on .... at ....
    That I reside at ...., County of .... and State of ....
    That I am of the age of .... years.
    That I hereby enter my appearance in this proceeding and waive service of summons on me.
    That I do hereby consent and agree to the adoption of such child.
    That I wish to and understand that by signing this consent I do irrevocably and permanently give up all custody and other parental rights I have to such child.
    That I understand such child will be placed for adoption and that I cannot under any circumstances, after signing this document, change my mind and revoke or cancel this consent or obtain or recover custody or any other rights over such child. That I have read and understand the above and I am signing it as my free and voluntary act.
    Dated (insert date).
.........................
 
    If under Section 8 the consent of more than one person is required, then each such person shall execute a separate consent.
    B. The form of consent required for the adoption of an unborn child shall be substantially as follows:
CONSENT TO ADOPTION OF UNBORN CHILD     I, ...., state:
    That I am the father of a child expected to be born on or about .... to .... (name of mother).
    That I reside at .... County of ...., and State of .....
    That I am of the age of .... years.
    That I hereby enter my appearance in such adoption proceeding and waive service of summons on me.
    That I do hereby consent and agree to the adoption of such child, and that I have not previously executed a consent or surrender with respect to such child.
    That I wish to and do understand that by signing this consent I do irrevocably and permanently give up all custody and other parental rights I have to such child, except that I have the right to revoke this consent by giving written notice of my revocation not later than 72 hours after the birth of the child.
    That I understand such child will be placed for adoption and that, except as hereinabove provided, I cannot under any circumstances, after signing this document, change my mind and revoke or cancel this consent or obtain or recover custody or any other rights over such child.
    That I have read and understand the above and I am signing it as my free and voluntary act.
    Dated (insert date).
........................
    B‑5. (1) The parent of a child may execute a consent to standby adoption by a specified person or persons. A consent under this subsection B‑5 shall be acknowledged by a parent pursuant to subsection H and subsection K of this Section. The form of consent required for the standby adoption of a born child effective at a future date when the consenting parent of the child dies or requests that a final judgment of adoption be entered shall be substantially as follows:
FINAL AND IRREVOCABLE CONSENT
TO STANDBY ADOPTION     I, ..., (relationship, e.g. mother or father) of ...., a ..male child, state:
    That the child was born on .... at .....
    That I reside at ...., County of ...., and State of .....
    That I am of the age of .... years.
    That I hereby enter my appearance in this proceeding and waive service of summons on me in this action only.
    That I do hereby consent and agree to the standby adoption of the child, and that I have not previously executed a consent or surrender with respect to the child.
    That I wish to and understand that by signing this consent I do irrevocably and permanently give up all custody and other parental rights I have to the child, effective upon (my death) (the child's other parent's death) or upon (my) (the other parent's) request for the entry of a final judgment for adoption if ..... (specified person or persons) adopt my child.
    That I understand that until (I die) (the child's other parent dies), I retain all legal rights and obligations concerning the child, but at that time, I irrevocably give all custody and other parental rights to .... (specified person or persons).
    I understand my child will be adopted by ....... (specified person or persons) only and that I cannot, under any circumstances, after signing this document, change my mind and revoke or cancel this consent or obtain or recover custody or any other rights over my child if ..... (specified person or persons) adopt my child.
    I understand that this consent to standby adoption is valid only if the petition for standby adoption is filed and that if ....... (specified person or persons), for any reason, cannot or will not file a petition for standby adoption or if his, her, or their petition for standby adoption is denied, then this consent is void. I have the right to notice of any other proceeding that could affect my parental rights.
    That I have read and understand the above and I am signing it as my free and voluntary act.
    Dated (insert date).
....................
 
    If under Section 8 the consent of more than one person is required, then each such person shall execute a separate consent. A separate consent shall be executed for each child.
    (2) If the parent consents to a standby adoption by 2 specified persons, then the form shall contain 2 additional paragraphs in substantially the following form:
    If .... (specified persons) obtain a judgment of dissolution of marriage before the judgment for adoption is entered, then ..... (specified person) shall adopt my child. I understand that I cannot change my mind and revoke this consent or obtain or recover custody of my child if ..... (specified persons) obtain a judgment of dissolution of marriage and ..... (specified person) adopts my child. I understand that I cannot change my mind and revoke this consent if ...... (specified persons) obtain a judgment of dissolution of marriage before the adoption is final. I understand that this consent to adoption has no effect on who will get custody of my child if ..... (specified persons) obtain a judgment of dissolution of marriage after the adoption is final. I understand that if either ..... (specified persons) dies before the petition to adopt my child is granted, then the surviving person may adopt my child. I understand that I cannot change my mind and revoke this consent or obtain or recover custody of my child if the surviving person adopts my child.
    A consent to standby adoption by specified persons on this form shall have no effect on a court's determination of custody or visitation under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act if the marriage of the specified persons is dissolved before the adoption is final.
    (3) The form of the certificate of acknowledgement for a Final and Irrevocable Consent for Standby Adoption shall be substantially as follows:
 
STATE OF .....)
              ) SS.
COUNTY OF ....)
 
    I, ....... (name of Judge or other person) ..... (official title, name, and address), certify that ......., personally known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Final and Irrevocable Consent to Standby Adoption, appeared before me this day in person and acknowledged that (she) (he) signed and delivered the consent as (her) (his) free and voluntary act, for the specified purpose.
    I have fully explained that this consent to adoption is valid only if the petition to adopt is filed, and that if the specified person or persons, for any reason, cannot or will not adopt the child or if the adoption petition is denied, then this consent will be void. I have fully explained that if the specified person or persons adopt the child, by signing this consent (she) (he) is irrevocably and permanently relinquishing all parental rights to the child, and (she) (he) has stated that such is (her) (his) intention and desire.
    Dated (insert date).
    Signature..............................
    (4) If a consent to standby adoption is executed in this form, the consent shall be valid only if the specified person or persons adopt the child. The consent shall be void if:
    (a) the specified person or persons do not file a petition for standby adoption of the child; or
    (b) a court denies the standby adoption petition.
    The parent shall not need to take further action to revoke the consent if the standby adoption by the specified person or persons does not occur, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11 of this Act.
    C. The form of surrender to any agency given by a parent of a born child who is to be subsequently placed for adoption shall be substantially as follows and shall contain such other facts and statements as the particular agency shall require.
FINAL AND IRREVOCABLE SURRENDER
FOR PURPOSES OF ADOPTION     I, .... (relationship, e.g., mother, father, relative, guardian) of ...., a ..male child, state:
    That such child was born on ...., at .....
    That I reside at ...., County of ...., and State of .....
    That I am of the age of .... years.
    That I do hereby surrender and entrust the entire custody and control of such child to the .... (the "Agency"), a (public) (licensed) child welfare agency with its principal office in the City of ...., County of .... and State of ...., for the purpose of enabling it to care for and supervise the care of such child, to place such child for adoption and to consent to the legal adoption of such child.
    That I hereby grant to the Agency full power and authority to place such child with any person or persons it may in its sole discretion select to become the adopting parent or parents and to consent to the legal adoption of such child by such person or persons; and to take any and all measures which, in the judgment of the Agency, may be for the best interests of such child, including authorizing medical, surgical and dental care and treatment including inoculation and anaesthesia for such child.
    That I wish to and understand that by signing this surrender I do irrevocably and permanently give up all custody and other parental rights I have to such child.
    That I understand I cannot under any circumstances, after signing this surrender, change my mind and revoke or cancel this surrender or obtain or recover custody or any other rights over such child.
    That I have read and understand the above and I am signing it as my free and voluntary act.
    Dated (insert date).
........................
    D. The form of surrender to an agency given by a parent of an unborn child who is to be subsequently placed for adoption shall be substantially as follows and shall contain such other facts and statements as the particular agency shall require.
SURRENDER OF UNBORN CHILD FOR
PURPOSES OF ADOPTION     I, .... (father), state:
    That I am the father of a child expected to be born on or about .... to .... (name of mother).
    That I reside at ...., County of ...., and State of .....
    That I am of the age of .... years.
    That I do hereby surrender and entrust the entire custody and control of such child to the .... (the "Agency"), a (public) (licensed) child welfare agency with its principal office in the City of ...., County of .... and State of ...., for the purpose of enabling it to care for and supervise the care of such child, to place such child for adoption and to consent to the legal adoption of such child, and that I have not previously executed a consent or surrender with respect to such child.
    That I hereby grant to the Agency full power and authority to place such child with any person or persons it may in its sole discretion select to become the adopting parent or parents and to consent to the legal adoption of such child by such person or persons; and to take any and all measures which, in the judgment of the Agency, may be for the best interests of such child, including authorizing medical, surgical and dental care and treatment, including inoculation and anaesthesia for such child.
    That I wish to and understand that by signing this surrender I do irrevocably and permanently give up all custody and other parental rights I have to such child.
    That I understand I cannot under any circumstances, after signing this surrender, change my mind and revoke or cancel this surrender or obtain or recover custody or any other rights over such child, except that I have the right to revoke this surrender by giving written notice of my revocation not later than 72 hours after the birth of such child.
    That I have read and understand the above and I am signing it as my free and voluntary act.
    Dated (insert date).
........................
    E. The form of consent required from the parents for the adoption of an adult, when such adult elects to obtain such consent, shall be substantially as follows:
CONSENT     I, ...., (father) (mother) of ...., an adult, state:
    That I reside at ...., County of .... and State of .....
    That I do hereby consent and agree to the adoption of such adult by .... and .....
    Dated (insert date).
.........................
    F. The form of consent required for the adoption of a child of the age of 14 years or upwards, or of an adult, to be given by such person, shall be substantially as follows:
CONSENT     I, ...., state:
    That I reside at ...., County of .... and State of ..... That I am of the age of .... years. That I consent and agree to my adoption by .... and .....
    Dated (insert date).
........................
    G. The form of consent given by an agency to the adoption by specified persons of a child previously surrendered to it shall set forth that the agency has the authority to execute such consent. The form of consent given by a guardian of the person of a child sought to be adopted, appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall set forth the facts of such appointment and the authority of the guardian to execute such consent.
    H. A consent (other than that given by an agency, or guardian of the person of the child sought to be adopted appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction) shall be acknowledged by a parent before the presiding judge of the court in which the petition for adoption has been, or is to be filed or before any other judge or hearing officer designated or subsequently approved by the court, or the circuit clerk if so authorized by the presiding judge or, except as otherwise provided in this Act, before a representative of the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency, or before social service personnel under the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction, or before social service personnel of the Cook County Department of Supportive Services designated by the presiding judge.
    I. A surrender, or any other document equivalent to a surrender, by which a child is surrendered to an agency shall be acknowledged by the person signing such surrender, or other document, before a judge or hearing officer or the clerk of any court of record, either in this State or any other state of the United States, or before a representative of an agency or before any other person designated or approved by the presiding judge of the court in which the petition for adoption has been, or is to be, filed.
    J. The form of the certificate of acknowledgment for a consent, a surrender, or any other document equivalent to a surrender, shall be substantially as follows:
STATE OF ....)
             ) SS.
COUNTY OF ...)
    I, .... (Name of judge or other person), .... (official title, name and location of court or status or position of other person), certify that ...., personally known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing (consent) (surrender), appeared before me this day in person and acknowledged that (she) (he) signed and delivered such (consent) (surrender) as (her) (his) free and voluntary act, for the specified purpose.
    I have fully explained that by signing such (consent) (surrender) (she) (he) is irrevocably relinquishing all parental rights to such child or adult and (she) (he) has stated that such is (her) (his) intention and desire.
    Dated (insert date).
    Signature ...............
    K. When the execution of a consent or a surrender is acknowledged before someone other than a judge or the clerk of a court of record, such other person shall have his signature on the certificate acknowledged before a notary public, in form substantially as follows:
STATE OF ....)
             ) SS.
COUNTY OF ...)
    I, a Notary Public, in and for the County of ......, in the State of ......, certify that ...., personally known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate of acknowledgment, appeared before me in person and acknowledged that (she) (he) signed such certificate as (her) (his) free and voluntary act and that the statements made in the certificate are true.
    Dated (insert date).     
Signature ...................... Notary Public
(official seal)

 
    There shall be attached a certificate of magistracy, or other comparable proof of office of the notary public satisfactory to the court, to a consent signed and acknowledged in another state.
    L. A surrender or consent executed and acknowledged outside of this State, either in accordance with the law of this State or in accordance with the law of the place where executed, is valid.
    M. Where a consent or a surrender is signed in a foreign country, the execution of such consent shall be acknowledged or affirmed in a manner conformable to the law and procedure of such country.
    N. If the person signing a consent or surrender is in the military service of the United States, the execution of such consent or surrender may be acknowledged before a commissioned officer and the signature of such officer on such certificate shall be verified or acknowledged before a notary public or by such other procedure as is then in effect for such division or branch of the armed forces.
    O. (1) The parent or parents of a child in whose interests a petition under Section 2‑13 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 is pending may, with the approval of the designated representative of the Department of Children and Family Services, execute a consent to adoption by a specified person or persons:
        (a) in whose physical custody the child has resided
    
for at least 6 months; or
        (b) in whose physical custody at least one sibling
    
of the child who is the subject of this consent has resided for at least 6 months, and the child who is the subject of this consent is currently residing in this foster home; or
        (c) in whose physical custody a child under one year
    
of age has resided for at least 3 months.
A consent under this subsection O shall be acknowledged by a parent pursuant to subsection H and subsection K of this Section.
    (2) The consent to adoption by a specified person or persons shall have the caption of the proceeding in which it is to be filed and shall be substantially as follows:
FINAL AND IRREVOCABLE CONSENT TO ADOPTION BY
A SPECIFIED PERSON OR PERSONS     I, ......................................, the .................. (mother or father) of a ....male child, state:
        1. My child ............................ (name of
    
child) was born on (insert date) at .................... Hospital in ................ County, State of ...............
        2. I reside at ......................, County of
    
............. and State of ..............
        3. I, ..........................., am .... years old.
        4. I enter my appearance in this action to adopt my
    
child by the person or persons specified herein by me and waive service of summons on me in this action only.
        5. I consent to the adoption of my child by
    
............................. (specified person or persons) only.
        6. I wish to sign this consent and I understand that
    
by signing this consent I irrevocably and permanently give up all parental rights I have to my child if my child is adopted by ............................. (specified person or persons).
        7. I understand my child will be adopted by
    
............................. (specified person or persons) only and that I cannot under any circumstances, after signing this document, change my mind and revoke or cancel this consent or obtain or recover custody or any other rights over my child if ............................ (specified person or persons) adopt my child.
        8. I understand that this consent to adoption is
    
valid only if the petition to adopt is filed within one year from the date that I sign it and that if ....................... (specified person or persons), for any reason, cannot or will not file a petition to adopt my child within that one year period or if their adoption petition is denied, then this consent will be voidable after one year upon the timely filing of my motion. If I file this motion before the filing of the petition for adoption, I understand that the court shall revoke this specific consent. I have the right to notice of any other proceeding that could affect my parental rights, except for the proceeding for ............. (specified person or persons) to adopt my child.
        9. I have read and understand the above and I am
    
signing it as my free and voluntary act.
        Dated (insert date).
        .............................................
        Signature of parent
    (3) If the parent consents to an adoption by 2 specified persons, then the form shall contain 2 additional paragraphs in substantially the following form:
        10. If ............... (specified persons) get a
    
divorce before the petition to adopt my child is granted, then .......... (specified person) shall adopt my child. I understand that I cannot change my mind and revoke this consent or obtain or recover custody over my child if ............. (specified persons) divorce and ............. (specified person) adopts my child. I understand that I cannot change my mind and revoke this consent or obtain or recover custody over my child if ................. (specified persons) divorce after the adoption is final. I understand that this consent to adoption has no effect on who will get custody of my child if they divorce after the adoption is final.
        11. I understand that if either ...............
    
(specified persons) dies before the petition to adopt my child is granted, then the surviving person can adopt my child. I understand that I cannot change my mind and revoke this consent or obtain or recover custody over my child if the surviving person adopts my child.
    A consent to adoption by specified persons on this form shall have no effect on a court's determination of custody or visitation under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act if the marriage of the specified persons is dissolved after the adoption is final.
    (4) The form of the certificate of acknowledgement for a Final and Irrevocable Consent for Adoption by a Specified Person or Persons shall be substantially as follows:
 
STATE OF..............)
                      ) SS.
COUNTY OF.............)
 
    I, .................... (Name of Judge or other person), ..................... (official title, name, and address), certify that ............., personally known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Final and Irrevocable Consent for Adoption by a Specified Person or Persons, appeared before me this day in person and acknowledged that (she)(he) signed and delivered the consent as (her)(his) free and voluntary act, for the specified purpose.
    I have fully explained that this consent to adoption is valid only if the petition to adopt is filed within one year from the date that it is signed, and that if the specified person or persons, for any reason, cannot or will not adopt the child or if the adoption petition is denied, then this consent will be voidable after one year upon the timely filing of a motion by the parent to revoke the consent. I explained that if this motion is filed before the filing of the petition for adoption, the court shall revoke this specific consent. I have fully explained that if the specified person or persons adopt the child, by signing this consent this parent is irrevocably and permanently relinquishing all parental rights to the child, and this parent has stated that such is (her)(his) intention and desire.
    Dated (insert date).
    ...............................
    Signature
    (5) If a consent to adoption by a specified person or persons is executed in this form, the following provisions shall apply. The consent shall be valid only if that specified person or persons adopt the child. The consent shall be voidable after one year if:
        (a) the specified person or persons do not file a
    
petition to adopt the child within one year after the consent is signed and the parent files a timely motion to revoke this consent. If this motion is filed before the filing of the petition for adoption the court shall revoke this consent; or
        (b) a court denies the adoption petition; or
        (c) the Department of Children and Family Services
    
Guardianship Administrator determines that the specified person or persons will not or cannot complete the adoption, or in the best interests of the child should not adopt the child.
    Within 30 days of the consent becoming void, the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator shall make good faith attempts to notify the parent in writing and shall give written notice to the court and all additional parties in writing that the adoption has not occurred or will not occur and that the consent is void. If the adoption by a specified person or persons does not occur, no proceeding for termination of parental rights shall be brought unless the biological parent who executed the consent to adoption by a specified person or persons has been notified of the proceeding pursuant to Section 7 of this Act or subsection (4) of Section 2‑13 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. The parent shall not need to take further action to revoke the consent if the specified adoption does not occur, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11 of this Act.
    (6) The Department of Children and Family Services is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement this subsection O.
    (7) The Department shall collect and maintain data concerning the efficacy of specific consents. This data shall include the number of specific consents executed and their outcomes, including but not limited to the number of children adopted pursuant to the consents, the number of children for whom adoptions are not completed, and the reason or reasons why the adoptions are not completed.
(Source: P.A. 92‑320, eff. 1‑1‑02; 93‑732, eff. 1‑1‑05.)

    (750 ILCS 50/11) (from Ch. 40, par. 1513)
    Sec. 11. Consents, surrenders, irrevocability.
    (a) A consent to adoption or standby adoption by a parent, including a minor, executed and acknowledged in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of this Act, or a surrender of a child by a parent, including a minor, to an agency for the purpose of adoption shall be irrevocable unless it shall have been obtained by fraud or duress on the part of the person before whom such consent, surrender, or other document equivalent to a surrender is acknowledged pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 of this Act or on the part of the adopting parents or their agents and a court of competent jurisdiction shall so find. No action to void or revoke a consent to or surrender for adoption, including an action based on fraud or duress, may be commenced after 12 months from the date the consent or surrender was executed. The consent or surrender of a parent who is a minor shall not be voidable because of such minority.
    (b) The petitioners in an adoption proceeding are entitled to rely upon a sworn statement of the biological mother of the child to be adopted identifying the father of her child. The affidavit shall be conclusive evidence as to the biological mother regarding the facts stated therein, and shall create a rebuttable presumption of truth as to the biological father only. Except as provided in Section 11 of this Act, the biological mother of the child shall be permanently barred from attacking the proceeding thereafter. The biological mother shall execute such affidavit in writing and under oath. The affidavit shall be executed by the biological mother before or at the time of execution of the consent or surrender, and shall be retained by the court and be a part of the Court's files. The form of affidavit shall be substantially as follows:
AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTIFICATION     I, ................., the mother of a (male or female) child, state under oath or affirm as follows:
    (1) That the child was born, or is expected to be born, on (insert date), at ......................., in the State of ...................
    (2) That I reside at .................., in the City or Village of ..........., State of ...................
    (3) That I am of the age of ....... years.
    (4) That I acknowledge that I have been asked to identify the father of my child.
    (5) (CHECK ONE)
    .... I know and am identifying the biological father.
    .... I do not know the identity of the biological father.
    .... I am unwilling to identify the biological father.
    (6A) If I know and am identifying the father:
    That the name of the biological father is ....................; his last known home address is ............; his last known work address is ....................; and he is ..... years of age; or he is deceased, having died on (insert date) at .............., in the State of ..................
    (6B) If I do not know the identity of the biological father:
    I do not know who the biological father is; the following is an explanation of why I am unable to identify him:
..............................................................
..............................................................
..............................................................
    (6C) If I am unwilling to identify the biological father:
    I do not wish to name the biological father of the child for the following reasons:
..............................................................
..............................................................
..............................................................
    (7) The physical description of the biological father is: .
..............................................................
..............................................................
    (8) I reaffirm that the information contained in paragraphs 5, 6, and 7, inclusive, is true and correct.
    (9) I have been informed and understand that if I am unwilling, refuse to identify, or misidentify the biological father of the child, absent fraud or duress, I am permanently barred from attacking the proceedings for the adoption of the child at any time after I sign a final and irrevocable consent to adoption or surrender for purposes of adoption.
    (10) I have read this Affidavit and have had the opportunity to review and question it; it was explained to me by ............................; and I am signing it as my free and voluntary act and understand the contents and the results of signing it.
    Dated (insert date).
...................................
Signature
    Under penalties as provided by law under Section 1‑109 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the undersigned certifies that the statements set forth in this Affidavit are true and correct.
...................................
Signature
(Source: P.A. 91‑357, eff. 7‑29‑99; 91‑572, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/12) (from Ch. 40, par. 1514)
    Sec. 12. Consent of child or adult. If, upon the date of the entry of the judgment the person sought to be adopted is of the age of 14 years or upwards, the adoption shall not be made without the consent of such person. Such consent shall be in writing and shall be acknowledged by such person as provided in Section 10 of this Act, provided, that if such person is in need of mental treatment or mentally retarded, the court may waive the provisions of this Section. No consent shall be required under this Section if the person sought to be adopted has died before giving such consent.
(Source: P.A. 85‑517.)

    (750 ILCS 50/12.1)
    Sec. 12.1. Putative Father Registry. The Department of Children and Family Services shall establish a Putative Father Registry for the purpose of determining the identity and location of a putative father of a minor child who is, or is expected to be, the subject of an adoption proceeding, in order to provide notice of such proceeding to the putative father. The Department of Children and Family Services shall establish rules and informational material necessary to implement the provisions of this Section. The Department shall have the authority to set reasonable fees for the use of the Registry.
    (a) The Department shall maintain the following information in the Registry:
        (1) With respect to the putative father:
            (i) Name, including any other names by which the
        
putative father may be known and that he may provide to the Registry;
            (ii) Address at which he may be served with
        
notice of a petition under this Act, including any change of address;
            (iii) Social Security Number;
            (iv) Date of birth; and
            (v) If applicable, a certified copy of an order
        
by a court of this State or of another state or territory of the United States adjudicating the putative father to be the father of the child.
        (2) With respect to the mother of the child:
            (i) Name, including all other names known to the
        
putative father by which the mother may be known;
            (ii) If known to the putative father, her last
        
address;
            (iii) Social Security Number; and
            (iv) Date of birth.
        (3) If known to the putative father, the name,
    
gender, place of birth, and date of birth or anticipated date of birth of the child.
        (4) The date that the Department received the
    
putative father's registration.
        (5) Other information as the Department may by rule
    
determine necessary for the orderly administration of the Registry.
    (b) A putative father may register with the Department before the birth of the child but shall register no later than 30 days after the birth of the child. All registrations shall be in writing and signed by the putative father. No fee shall be charged for the initial registration. The Department shall have no independent obligation to gather the information to be maintained.
    (c) An interested party, including persons intending to adopt a child, a child welfare agency with whom the mother has placed or has given written notice of her intention to place a child for adoption, the mother of the child, or an attorney representing an interested party may request that the Department search the Registry to determine whether a putative father is registered in relation to a child who is or may be the subject to an adoption petition.
    (d) A search of the Registry may be proven by the production of a certified copy of the registration form, or by the certified statement of the administrator of the Registry that after a search, no registration of a putative father in relation to a child who is or may be the subject of an adoption petition could be located.
    (e) Except as otherwise provided, information contained within the Registry is confidential and shall not be published or open to public inspection.
    (f) A person who knowingly or intentionally registers false information under this Section commits a Class B misdemeanor. A person who knowingly or intentionally releases confidential information in violation of this Section commits a Class B misdemeanor.
    (g) Except as provided in subsections (b) or (c) of Section 8 of this Act, a putative father who fails to register with the Putative Father Registry as provided in this Section is barred from thereafter bringing or maintaining any action to assert any interest in the child, unless he proves by clear and convincing evidence that:
        (1) it was not possible for him to register within
    
the period of time specified in subsection (b) of this Section; and
        (2) his failure to register was through no fault of
    
his own; and
        (3) he registered within 10 days after it became
    
possible for him to file.
    A lack of knowledge of the pregnancy or birth is not an acceptable reason for failure to register.
    (h) Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of Section 8 of this Act, failure to timely register with the Putative Father Registry (i) shall be deemed to be a waiver and surrender of any right to notice of any hearing in any judicial proceeding for the adoption of the child, and the consent or surrender of that person to the adoption of the child is not required, and (ii) shall constitute an abandonment of the child and shall be prima facie evidence of sufficient grounds to support termination of such father's parental rights under this Act.
    (i) In any adoption proceeding pertaining to a child born out of wedlock, if there is no showing that a putative father has executed a consent or surrender or waived his rights regarding the proposed adoption, certification as specified in subsection (d) shall be filed with the court prior to entry of a final judgment order of adoption.
    (j) The Registry shall not be used to notify a putative father who is the father of a child as a result of criminal sexual abuse or assault as defined under Article 12 of the Criminal Code of 1961.
(Source: P.A. 89‑315, eff. 1‑1‑96; 90‑15, eff. 6‑13‑97.)

    (750 ILCS 50/12a) (from Ch. 40, par. 1515)
    Sec. 12a. Notice to putative father.
    1. Upon the written request to any Clerk of any Circuit Court, and upon the payment of a filing fee of $10.00, by any interested party, including persons intending to adopt a child, a child welfare agency with whom the mother has placed or has given written notice of her intention to place a child for adoption, the mother of a child, or any attorney representing an interested party, a notice, the declaration of paternity and the disclaimer of paternity may be served on a putative father in the same manner as Summons is served in other civil proceedings, or, in lieu of personal service, service may be made as follows:
        (a) The person requesting notice shall pay to the
    
Clerk of the Court a mailing fee of $2 plus the cost of U. S. postage for certified or registered mail and furnish to the Clerk an original and one copy of a notice, the declaration of paternity and the disclaimer of paternity together with an Affidavit setting forth the putative father's last known address. The original notice, the declaration of paternity and the disclaimer of paternity shall be retained by the Clerk.
        (b) The Clerk shall forthwith mail to the putative
    
father, at the address appearing in the Affidavit, the copy of the notice, the declaration of paternity and the disclaimer of paternity, by certified mail, return receipt requested; the envelope and return receipt shall bear the return address of the Clerk. The receipt for certified mail shall state the name and address of the addressee, and the date of mailing, and shall be attached to the original notice.
        (c) The return receipt, when returned to the Clerk,
    
shall be attached to the original notice, the declaration of paternity and the disclaimer of paternity, and shall constitute proof of service.
        (d) The Clerk shall note the fact of service in a
    
permanent record.
    2. The notice shall be signed by the Clerk, and may be served on the putative father at any time after conception, and shall read as follows:
    "IN THE MATTER OF NOTICE TO ....., PUTATIVE FATHER.
    You have been identified as the father of a child born or expected to be born on or about (insert date).
    The mother of the child is.....
    The mother has indicated that she intends to place the child for adoption.
    As the alleged father of the child, you have certain legal rights with respect to the child, including the right to notice of the filing of proceedings instituted for the adoption of the child. If you wish to retain your rights with respect to the child, you must file with the Clerk of this Circuit Court of .... County, Illinois, whose address is ...., Illinois, within 30 days after the date of receipt of this notice, the declaration of paternity enclosed herewith stating that you are, in fact, the father of the child and that you intend to retain your legal rights with respect to the child, or request to be notified of any further proceedings with respect to custody or adoption of the child.
    If you do not file such a declaration of paternity, or a request for notice, then whatever legal rights you have with respect to the child, including the right to notice of any future proceedings for the adoption of the child, may be terminated without any further notice to you. When your legal rights with respect to the child are so terminated, you will not be entitled to notice of any proceeding instituted for the adoption of the child.
    If you are not the father of the child, you may file with the Clerk of this Court the disclaimer of paternity enclosed herewith which will be noted in the Clerk's file and you will receive no further notice with respect to the child."
    The declaration of paternity shall be substantially as follows:
"IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
.......... JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, ILLINOIS
.......... County               )
              )
              )  No.              )
              )
DECLARATION OF PATERNITY WITH ENTRY OF APPEARANCE I, ........., state as follows:
    (1) That I am ......... years of age; and I reside at ......... in the County of ........., State of .........
    (2) That I have been advised that ........ is the mother of a ...male child named ........ born or expected to be born on or about ......... and that such mother has stated that I am the father of this child.
    (3) I declare that I am the father of this child.
    (4) I understand that the mother of this child wishes to consent to the adoption of this child. I do not consent to the adoption of this child, and I understand that I must return this initial declaration of parentage form to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of ....... County, located at ........., within 30 days of receipt of this notice.
    (5) I further understand that I am also obligated to establish my paternity pursuant to the Parentage Act of 1984 within 30 days of my receiving this notice or, if the child is not yet born, within 30 days after the birth of the child. This proceeding is separate and distinct from the above mailing of initial declaration of paternity; in this second notice, I must state that I am, in fact, the father of said child, and that I intend to retain my legal rights with respect to said child, and request to be notified of any further proceedings with respect to custody or adoption of the child.
    (6) I hereby enter my appearance in the above entitled cause.
OATH     I have been duly sworn and I say under oath that I have read and understand this Declaration of Paternity With Entry of Appearance. The facts that it contains are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and I understand that by signing this document I admit my paternity. I have signed this document as my free and voluntary act.
...........
(signature)
Dated (insert date).
Signed and sworn before me on (insert date).
................
(notary public)".

      The disclaimer of paternity shall be substantially as follows:
"IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
.......... JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, ILLINOIS
.......... County               )
              )
              )  No.              )
              )
DENIAL OF PATERNITY WITH ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
AND CONSENT TO ADOPTION I, .........., state as follows:
    (1) That I am ..... years of age; and I reside at .......... in the County of .........., State of ...........
    (2) That I have been advised that .......... is the mother of a .....male child named ..... born or expected to be born on or about ..... and that such mother has stated that I am the father of this child.
    (3) I deny that I am the father of this child.
    (4) I further understand that the mother of this child wishes to consent to the adoption of the child. I hereby consent to the adoption of this child, and waive any rights, remedies and defenses that I may now or in the future have as a result of the mother's allegation of the paternity of this child. This consent is being given in order to facilitate the adoption of the child and so that the court may terminate what rights I may have to the child as a result of being named the father by the mother. This consent is not in any manner an admission of paternity.
    (5) I hereby enter my appearance in the above entitled cause and waive service of summons and other pleading.
OATH     I have been duly sworn and I say under oath that I have read and understood this Denial of Paternity With Entry of Appearance and Consent to Adoption. The facts it contains are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and I understand that by signing this document I have not admitted paternity. I have signed this document as my free and voluntary act in order to facilitate the adoption of the child.
...........
(signature)
Dated (insert date).
Signed and sworn before me on (insert date).
.................
(notary public)".

      The names of adoptive parents shall not be included in the notice.
    3. If the putative father files a disclaimer of paternity, he shall be deemed not to be the father of the child with respect to any adoption or other proceeding held to terminate the rights of parents as respects such child.
    4. In the event the putative father does not file a declaration of paternity of the child or request for notice within 30 days of service of the above notice, he need not be made a party to or given notice of any proceeding brought for the adoption of the child. An Order or judgment may be entered in such proceeding terminating all of his rights with respect to the child without further notice to him.
    5. If the putative father files a declaration of paternity or a request for notice in accordance with subsection 2, with respect to the child, he shall be given notice in event any proceeding is brought for the adoption of the child.
    6. The Clerk shall maintain separate numbered files and records of requests and proofs of service and all other documents filed pursuant to this article. All such records shall be impounded.
(Source: P.A. 91‑357, eff. 7‑29‑99.)

    (750 ILCS 50/13) (from Ch. 40, par. 1516)
    Sec. 13. Interim order. As soon as practicable after the filing of a petition for adoption the court shall hold a hearing for the following purposes:
    A. In other than an adoption of a related child or an adoption through an agency, or of an adult:
        (a) To determine the validity of the consent,
    
provided that the execution of a consent pursuant to this Act shall be prima facie evidence of its validity, and provided that the validity of a consent shall not be affected by the omission therefrom of the names of the petitioners or adopting parents at the time the consent is executed or acknowledged, and further provided that the execution of a consent prior to the filing of a petition for adoption shall not affect its validity.
        (b) To determine whether there is available suitable
    
temporary custodial care for a child sought to be adopted.
    B. In all cases except standby adoptions:
        (a) The court shall appoint some licensed attorney
    
other than the State's attorney acting in his or her official capacity as guardian ad litem to represent a child sought to be adopted. Such guardian ad litem shall have power to consent to the adoption of the child, if such consent is required.
        (b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for
    
all named minors or defendants who are persons under legal disability, if any.
        (c) If the petition alleges a person to be unfit
    
pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph (p) of paragraph D of Section 1 of this Act, such person shall be represented by counsel. If such person is indigent or an appearance has not been entered on his behalf at the time the matter is set for hearing, the court shall appoint as counsel for him either the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, the public defender, or, only if no attorney from the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission or the public defender is available, an attorney licensed to practice law in this State.
        (d) If it is proved to the satisfaction of the
    
court, after such investigation as the court deems necessary, that termination of parental rights and temporary commitment of the child to an agency or to a person deemed competent by the court, including petitioners, will be for the welfare of the child, the court may order the child to be so committed and may terminate the parental rights of the parents and declare the child a ward of the court or, if it is not so proved, the court may enter such other order as it shall deem necessary and advisable.
        (e) Before an interim custody order is granted under
    
this Section, service of summons shall be had upon the parent or parents whose rights have not been terminated, except as provided in subsection (f). Reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard shall be given to the parent or parents after service of summons when the address of the parent or parents is available. The party seeking an interim custody order shall make all reasonable efforts to locate the parent or parents of the child or children they are seeking to adopt and to notify the parent or parents of the party's request for an interim custody order pursuant to this Section.
        (f) An interim custody order may be granted without
    
notice upon presentation to the court of a written petition, accompanied by an affidavit, stating that there is an immediate danger to the child and that irreparable harm will result to the child if notice is given to the parent or parents or legal guardian. Upon making a finding that there is an immediate danger to the child if service of process is had upon and notice of hearing is given to the parent or parents or legal guardian prior to the entry of an order granting temporary custody to someone other than a parent or legal guardian, the court may enter an order of temporary custody which shall expire not more than 10 days after its entry. Every ex parte custody order granted without notice shall state the injury which the court sought to avoid by granting the order, the irreparable injury that would have occurred had notice been given, and the reason the order was granted without notice. The matter shall be set down for full hearing before the expiration of the ex parte order and will be heard after service of summons is had upon and notice of hearing is given to the parent or parents or legal guardian. At the hearing the burden of proof shall be upon the party seeking to extend the interim custody order to show that the order was properly granted without notice and that custody should remain with the party seeking to adopt during the pendency of the adoption proceeding. If the interim custody order is extended, the reasons for granting the extension shall be stated in the order.
    C. In the case of a child born outside the United States or a territory thereof, if the petitioners have previously been appointed guardians of such child by a court of competent jurisdiction in a country other than the United States or a territory thereof, the court may order that the petitioners continue as guardians of such child.
    D. In standby adoption cases:
        (a) The court shall appoint a licensed attorney
    
other than the State's Attorney acting in his or her official capacity as guardian ad litem to represent a child sought to be adopted. The guardian ad litem shall have power to consent to the adoption of the child, if consent is required.
        (b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for
    
all named minors or defendants who are persons under legal disability, if any.
        (c) The court lacks jurisdiction to proceed on the
    
petition for standby adoption if the child has a living parent, adoptive parent, or adjudicated parent whose rights have not been terminated and whose whereabouts are known, unless the parent consents to the standby adoption or, after receiving notice of the hearing on the standby adoption petition, fails to object to the appointment of a standby adoptive parent at the hearing on the petition.
        (d) The court shall investigate as needed for the
    
welfare of the child and shall determine whether the petitioner or petitioners shall be permitted to adopt.
(Source: P.A. 90‑14, eff. 7‑1‑97; 90‑349, eff. 1‑1‑98; 91‑572, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/13.1)
    Sec. 13.1. Order for standby adoption.
    (a) If it is proved to the satisfaction of the court, after such investigation as the court deems necessary, that the child's parent consents to or fails to object to the standby adoption and adoption by the petitioner will be for the welfare of the child, the court may enter an order for standby adoption. However, the consenting parent's parental rights may not be terminated until consent becomes effective.
    (b) The order for standby adoption shall be final as to all findings and shall be followed in the judgment of adoption unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that it is no longer in the best interest of the child for the adoption to be finalized.
    (c) Once the standby adoptive parent receives knowledge of the death of the consenting parent, or the consenting parent requests that a final judgment for adoption be entered, the standby adoptive parent shall have 60 days to apply for a judgment for adoption.
(Source: P.A. 93‑732, eff. 1‑1‑05.)

    (750 ILCS 50/14) (from Ch. 40, par. 1517)
    Sec. 14. Judgment.
    (a) Prior to the entry of the judgment for order of adoption in any case other than an adoption of a related child or of an adult, each petitioner and each person, agency, association, corporation, institution, society or organization involved in the adoption of the child, except a child welfare agency, shall execute an affidavit setting forth the hospital and medical costs, legal fees, counseling fees, and any other fees or expenditures paid in accordance with the Adoption Compensation Prohibition Act.
    (b) Before the entry of the judgment for adoption, each child welfare agency involved in the adoption of the child shall file an affidavit concerning the costs, expenses, contributions, fees, compensation, or other things of value which have been given, promised, or received including but not limited to hospital and medical costs, legal fees, social services, living expenses, or any other expenses related to the adoption paid in accordance with the Adoption Compensation Prohibition Act.
    If the total amount paid by the child welfare agency is $4,500 or more, the affidavit shall contain an itemization of expenditures.
    If the total amount paid by the child welfare agency is less than $4,500, the agency may file an unitemized affidavit stating that the total amount paid is less than $4,500 unless the court, in its discretion, requires that agency to file an itemized affidavit.
    (c) No affidavit need be filed in the case of an adoption of a related child or an adult, nor shall an affidavit be required to be filed by a non‑consenting parent, or by any judge, or clerk, involved in an official capacity in the adoption proceedings.
    (d) All affidavits filed in accordance with this Section shall be under penalty of perjury and shall include, but are not limited to, hospital and medical costs, legal fees, social services, living expenses or any other expenses related to the adoption or to the placement of the child, whether or not the payments are permitted by applicable laws.
    (e) Upon the expiration of 6 months after the date of any interim order vesting temporary care, custody and control of a child, other than a related child, in the petitioners, entered pursuant to this Act, the petitioners may apply to the court for a judgment of adoption. Notice of such application shall be served by the petitioners upon the investigating agency or the person making such investigation, and the guardian ad litem. After the hearing on such application, at which the petitioners and the child shall appear in person, unless their presence is waived by the court for good cause shown, the court may enter a judgment for adoption, provided the court is satisfied from the report of the investigating agency or the person making the investigation, and from the evidence, if any, introduced, that the adoption is for the welfare of the child and that there is a valid consent, or that no consent is required as provided in Section 8 of this Act.
    (f) A judgment for adoption of a related child, an adult, or a child as to whose adoption an agency or person authorized by law has the right of authority to consent may be entered at any time after service of process and after the return day designated therein.
    (f‑5) A standby adoption judgment may be entered upon notice of the death of the consenting parent or upon the consenting parent's request that a final judgment for adoption be entered. The notice must be provided to the court within 60 days after the standby adoptive parent's receipt of knowledge of death of the consenting parent or the consenting parent's request that a final judgment for adoption be entered. If the court finds that adoption is for the welfare of the child and that there is a valid consent, including consent for standby adoption, which is still in effect, or that no consent is required under Section 8 of the Act, a judgment for adoption shall be entered unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that it is no longer in the best interest of the child for the adoption to be finalized.
    (g) No special findings of fact or certificate of evidence shall be necessary in any case to support the judgment.
    (h) Only the circuit court that entered the judgment of the adoption may order the issuance of any contents of the court file or that the original birth record of the adoptee be provided to any persons.
(Source: P.A. 93‑732, eff. 1‑1‑05.)

    (750 ILCS 50/14a) (from Ch. 40, par. 1518)
    Sec. 14a. After any court has acquired jurisdiction over the person of any child in an adoption proceeding, if such child dies before entry of final judgment, upon petition by the intended adoptive parent or parents suggesting the death of the child and asking that the court proceed in absence of the child to enter a final judgment, in the presence of the adoptive parent or parents who are parties to the record, the court shall proceed to hearing and final judgment to enable the child to have the intended name by adoption. Otherwise the court may dismiss the proceeding.
    In the case of an adoption proceeding commenced after the death of the person sought to be adopted, the intended adoptive parent or parents shall not, by reason of such adoption, acquire any interest in the estate of such deceased person, nor shall the intended adoptive parent or parents acquire any other right or incur any duty or obligation with respect to such deceased person.
(Source: P.A. 89‑644, eff. 1‑1‑97.)

    (750 ILCS 50/14b)
    Sec. 14b. Death of intended adoptive parent prior to entry of judgment. After any court has acquired jurisdiction over the person of any intended adoptive parent in an adoption proceeding, if the intended adoptive parent dies before entry of final judgment, upon petition by the other intended adoptive parent or the child's guardian ad litem suggesting the death of the intended adoptive parent and asking that the court proceed in absence of the deceased intended adoptive parent to enter a final judgment, in the presence of the other intended adoptive parent or the child to be adopted who is a party to the record, the court shall proceed to hearing and final judgment to enable the child to have the intended name by adoption. Otherwise the court may dismiss the proceeding.
    This amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly shall apply to all cases in which the court acquired jurisdiction of the person of any intended adoptive parent in an adoption proceeding, if such jurisdiction was acquired on or after November 1, 1997.
(Source: P.A. 91‑573, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/15) (from Ch. 40, par. 1519)
    Sec. 15. The welfare of the child shall be the prime consideration in all adoption proceedings. The court in entering a judgment of adoption shall, whenever possible, give custody through adoption to a petitioner or petitioners of the same religious belief as that of the child.
(Source: P.A. 84‑452.)

    (750 ILCS 50/15.1) (from Ch. 40, par. 1519.1)
    Sec. 15.1. (a) Any person over the age of 18, who has cared for a child for a continuous period of one year or more as a foster parent licensed under the Child Care Act of 1969 to operate a foster family home, may apply to the child's guardian with the power to consent to adoption, for such guardian's consent.
    (b) Such guardian shall give preference and first consideration to that application over all other applications for adoption of the child but the guardian's final decision shall be based on the welfare and best interest of the child. In arriving at this decision, the guardian shall consider all relevant factors including but not limited to:
        (1) the wishes of the child;
        (2) the interaction and interrelationship of the
    
child with the applicant to adopt the child;
        (3) the child's need for stability and continuity of
    
relationship with parent figures;
        (4) the wishes of the child's parent as expressed in
    
writing prior to that parent's execution of a consent or surrender for adoption;
        (5) the child's adjustment to his present home,
    
school and community;
        (6) the mental and physical health of all
    
individuals involved;
        (7) the family ties between the child and the
    
applicant to adopt the child and the value of preserving family ties between the child and the child's relatives, including siblings;
        (8) the background, age and living arrangements of
    
the applicant to adopt the child;
        (9) the criminal background check report presented
    
to the court as part of the investigation required under Section 6 of this Act.
    (c) The final determination of the propriety of the adoption shall be within the sole discretion of the court, which shall base its decision on the welfare and best interest of the child. In arriving at this decision, the court shall consider all relevant factors including but not limited to the factors in subsection (b).
    (d) If the court specifically finds that the guardian has abused his discretion by withholding consent to an adoption in violation of the child's welfare and best interests, then the court may grant an adoption, after all of the other provisions of this Act have been complied with, with or without the consent of the guardian with power to consent to adoption. If the court specifically finds that the guardian has abused his discretion by granting consent to an adoption in violation of the child's welfare and best interests, then the court may deny an adoption even though the guardian with power to consent to adoption has consented to it.
(Source: P.A. 90‑608, eff. 6‑30‑98.)

    (750 ILCS 50/16) (from Ch. 40, par. 1520)
    Sec. 16. Entry of Judgment.) If, after examination of the report required by Section 6, the court finds a waiver to be for the welfare of the child, the court may, in its discretion, waive the waiting period of 6 months provided in Section 14 and enter a judgment of adoption.
(Source: P.A. 84‑452.)

    (750 ILCS 50/17) (from Ch. 40, par. 1521)
    Sec. 17. Effect of order terminating parental rights or Judgment of Adoption. After either the entry of an order terminating parental rights or the entry of a judgment of adoption, the natural parents of a child sought to be adopted shall be relieved of all parental responsibility for such child and shall be deprived of all legal rights as respects the child, and the child shall be free from all obligations of maintenance and obedience as respects such natural parents.
(Source: P.A. 91‑357, eff. 7‑29‑99.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18) (from Ch. 40, par. 1522)
    Sec. 18. Records confidential.
    (a) The word "illegitimate", the words "born out of wedlock", and words of similar import shall not be used in any adoption proceeding in any respect.
    (b) The court call of adoption proceedings shall not identify any of the parties by name. The parties may be identified by initials or pseudonyms. The case shall be identified by its general number. The names of the lawyers representing the parties may appear on the court call, and the type of application that is being made to the court may also be identified.
    (c) All adoption records maintained by each circuit clerk shall be impounded in accordance with the procedures provided by the Illinois Supreme Court's General Administrative Order on Recordkeeping and shall be opened for examination only upon specific order of the court, which order shall name the person or persons who are to be permitted to examine the file. Certified copies of all papers and documents contained in any file so impounded shall be made only on like order. The guardian ad litem for a minor sought to be adopted shall have the right to inspect the court file without leave of court during the pendency of the proceeding. The attorney of record for the petitioners and other parties may inspect the file only with leave of court. The petitioners to the adoption, the attorney of record for the petitioners, and the guardian ad litem of the person who is the subject of the proceeding shall be entitled to receive certified copies of the order of adoption in the proceeding at any time within 30 days after the entry of the judgment of adoption without order of court. After 30 days from the entry of the judgment of adoption, no copies may be obtained without prior order of court, but good cause is not necessary to be shown by one of the petitioners to the adoption.
    (d) If an appeal is taken from an adoption proceeding, the papers filed in the court of review and the opinion of the reviewing court shall not identify the true names of the parties; instead, initials or pseudonyms shall be used to identify the parties.
(Source: P.A. 86‑493; 87‑620.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.04)
    Sec. 18.04. The Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange; legislative intent. The General Assembly recognizes the importance of creating a procedure by which mutually consenting adult members of birth and adoptive families, and adult adopted or surrendered persons may voluntarily exchange vital medical information throughout the life of the adopted or surrendered person. The General Assembly supports public policy that requires explicit mutual consent prior to the release of confidential information. The General Assembly further recognizes that it is in the best interest of adopted and surrendered persons that birth family medical histories and the preferences regarding contact of all parties to an adoption be compiled, preserved and provided to mutually consenting members of birth and adoptive families.
(Source: P.A. 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.05)
    (Text of Section from P.A. 94‑173)
    Sec. 18.05. The Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.
    (a) General function. Subject to appropriation, the Department of Public Health shall administer the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange in the manner outlined in subsections (b) and (c) for the purpose of facilitating the voluntary exchange of medical information between mutually consenting members of birth and adoptive families. The Department shall establish rules for the confidential operation of the Illinois Adoption Registry. The Department shall conduct a public information campaign through public service announcements and other forms of media coverage and, until December 31, 2010, through notices enclosed with driver's license renewal applications, shall inform the public of the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange. The Illinois Adoption Registry shall also maintain an informational Internet site where interested parties may access information about the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange and download all necessary application forms. The Illinois Adoption Registry shall maintain statistical records regarding Registry participation and publish and circulate to the public informational material about the function and operation of the Registry.
    (b) Establishment of the Adoption/Surrender Records File. When a person has voluntarily registered with the Illinois Adoption Registry and completed an Illinois Adoption Registry Application or a Registration Identification Form, the Registry shall establish a new Adoption/Surrender Records File. Such file may concern an adoption that was finalized by a court action in the State of Illinois, an adoption of a person born in Illinois finalized by a court action in a state other than Illinois or in a foreign country, or a surrender taken in the State of Illinois. Such file may be established for adoptions or surrenders finalized prior to as well as after the effective date of this amendatory Act. A file may be created in any manner to preserve documents including but not limited to microfilm, optical imaging, or electronic documents.
    (c) Contents of the Adoption/Surrender Records File. An established Adoption/Surrender Records File shall be limited to the following items, to the extent that they are available:
        (1) The General Information Section and Medical
    
Information Exchange Questionnaire of any Illinois Adoption Registry Application or a Registration Identification Form which has been voluntarily completed by any registered party.
        (2) Any photographs voluntarily provided by any
    
registrant for any other registered party at the time of registration or any time thereafter. All such photographs shall be submitted in an unsealed envelope no larger than 8 1/2" x 11", and shall not include identifying information pertaining to any person other than the registrant who submitted them. Any such identifying information shall be redacted by the Department or the information shall be returned for removal of identifying information.
        (3) Any Information Exchange Authorization or Denial
    
of Information Exchange which has been filed by a registrant.
        (4) For all adoptions finalized after January 1,
    
2000, copies of the original certificate of live birth and the certificate of adoption.
        (5) Any updated address submitted by any registered
    
party about himself or herself.
        (6) Any proof of death which has been submitted by a
    
registrant.
        (7) Any birth certificate that has been submitted by
    
a registrant.
        (8) Any marriage certificate that has been submitted
    
by a registrant.
        (9) Any proof of guardianship that has been
    
submitted by a registrant.
(Source: P.A. 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)
 
    (Text of Section from P.A. 94‑430)
    Sec. 18.05. The Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.
    (a) General function. Subject to appropriation, the Department of Public Health shall redefine the function of the Illinois Adoption Registry and create the Medical Information Exchange in the manner outlined in subsections (b) and (c) for the purpose of facilitating the voluntary exchange of medical information between mutually consenting birth parents or birth siblings and mutually consenting adoptive parents or legal guardians of adopted or surrendered persons under the age of 21 or adopted or surrendered persons 21 years of age or over. The Department shall establish rules for the confidential operation of the Illinois Adoption Registry. Beginning January 1, 2000, the Department shall conduct a public information campaign through public service announcements and other forms of media coverage and, for a minimum of 4 years, through notices enclosed with driver's license renewal applications, shall inform adopted and surrendered persons born, surrendered, or adopted in Illinois and their adoptive parents, legal guardians, birth parents and birth siblings of the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange. The Department shall notify all parties who registered with the Illinois Adoption Registry prior to January 1, 2000 of the provisions of this amendatory Act of 1999. The Illinois Adoption Registry shall also maintain an informational Internet site where interested parties may access information about the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange and download all necessary application forms. The Illinois Adoption Registry shall maintain statistical records regarding Registry participation and publish and circulate to the public informational material about the function and operation of the Registry.
    (b) Establishment of the Adoption/Surrender Records File. When a person has voluntarily registered with the Illinois Adoption Registry and completed an Illinois Adoption Registry Application or a Registration Identification Form, the Registry shall establish a new Adoption/Surrender Records File. Such file may concern an adoption that was finalized by a court action in the State of Illinois, an adoption of a person born in Illinois finalized by a court action in a state other than Illinois or in a foreign country, a surrender taken in the State of Illinois, or an adoption filed according to Section 16.1 of the Vital Records Act under a Record of Foreign Birth that was not finalized by a court action in the State of Illinois. Such file may be established for adoptions or surrenders finalized prior to as well as after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1999. A file may be created in any manner to preserve documents including but not limited to microfilm, optical imaging, or electronic documents.
    (c) Contents of the Adoption/Surrender Records File. An established Adoption/Surrender Records File shall be limited to the following items, to the extent that they are available:
        (1) The General Information Section and Medical
    
Information Exchange Questionnaire of any Illinois Adoption Registry Application or a Registration Identification Form which has been voluntarily completed by the adopted or surrendered person or his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, birth parents, or birth siblings.
        (2) Any photographs voluntarily provided by any
    
registrant for the adopted or surrendered person or his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, birth parents, or birth siblings at the time of registration or any time thereafter. All such photographs shall be submitted in an unsealed envelope no larger than 8 1/2" x 11", and shall not include identifying information pertaining to any person other than the registrant who submitted them. Any such identifying information shall be redacted by the Department or the information shall be returned for removal of identifying information.
        (3) Any Information Exchange Authorization or Denial
    
of Information Exchange which has been filed by a registrant.
        (4) For all adoptions finalized after January 1,
    
2000, copies of the original certificate of live birth and the certificate of adoption.
        (5) Any updated address submitted by any registered
    
party about himself or herself.
        (6) Any proof of death which has been submitted by
    
an adopted or surrendered person, adoptive parent, legal guardian, birth parent, or birth sibling.
    (d) An established Adoption/Surrender Records File for an adoption filed in Illinois under a Record of Foreign Birth that was not finalized in a court action in the State of Illinois shall be limited to the following items submitted to the State Registrar of Vital Records under Section 16.1 of the Vital Records Act, to the extent that they are available:
        (1) Evidence as to the child's birth date and
    
birthplace (including the country of birth and, if available, the city and province of birth) provided by the original birth certificate, or by a certified copy, extract, or translation thereof or by other document essentially equivalent thereto (the records of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service or of the U.S. Department of State to be considered essentially equivalent thereto).
        (2) A certified copy, extract, or translation of the
    
adoption decree or other document essentially equivalent thereto (the records of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service or of the U.S. Department of State to be considered essentially equivalent thereto).
        (3) A copy of the IR‑3 visa.
        (4) The name and address of the adoption agency that
    
handled the adoption.
(Source: P.A. 94‑430, eff. 8‑2‑05.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.06)
    Sec. 18.06. Definitions. When used in Sections 18.05 through Section 18.6, for the purposes of the Registry:
    "Adopted person" means a person who was adopted pursuant to the laws in effect at the time of the adoption.
    "Adoptive parent" means a person who has become a parent through the legal process of adoption.
    "Adult child" means the biological child 21 years of age or over of a deceased adopted or surrendered person.
    "Agency" means a public child welfare agency or a licensed child welfare agency.
    "Birth aunt" means the adult full or half sister of a deceased birth parent.
    "Birth father" means the biological father of an adopted or surrendered person who is named on the original certificate of live birth or on a consent or surrender document, or a biological father whose paternity has been established by a judgment or order of the court, pursuant to the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984.
    "Birth mother" means the biological mother of an adopted or surrendered person.
    "Birth parent" means a birth mother or birth father of an adopted or surrendered person.
    "Birth relative" means a birth mother, birth father, birth sibling, birth aunt, or birth uncle.
    "Birth sibling" means the adult full or half sibling of an adopted or surrendered person.
    "Birth uncle" means the adult full or half brother of a deceased birth parent.
    "Denial of Information Exchange" means an affidavit completed by a registrant with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange denying the release of identifying information.
    "Information Exchange Authorization" means an affidavit completed by a registrant with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange authorizing the release of identifying information.
    "Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire" means the medical history questionnaire completed by a registrant of the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.
    "Proof of death" means a death certificate.
    "Registrant" or "Registered Party" means a birth parent, birth sibling, birth aunt, birth uncle, adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over, adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person under the age of 21, or adoptive parent, surviving spouse, or adult child of a deceased adopted or surrendered person who has filed an Illinois Adoption Registry Application or Registration Identification Form with the Registry.
    "Surrendered person" means a person whose parents' rights have been surrendered or terminated but who has not been adopted.
    "Surviving spouse" means the wife or husband of a deceased adopted or surrendered person who has one or more biological children under the age of 21.
(Source: P.A. 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.07)
    Sec. 18.07. Adoption Registry Advisory Council. There is established an Adoption Registry Advisory Council. The Council shall be chaired by the Director of the Department of Public Health or his designee. The Council shall include the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services or his designee. The Council shall also include one representative from each of the following organizations: Adoption Advocates of Illinois, Adoptive Families Today, American Adoption Congress, Catholic Conference of Illinois, Chicago Area Families for Adoption, Chicago Bar Association, Child Care Association of Illinois, Children Remembered, Inc., Children's Home and Aid Society of Illinois, Child Welfare Advisory Council, The Cradle, Healing Hearts, Illinois Foster Parents Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois State Medical Society, Jewish Children's Bureau, Kids Help Foundation, LDS Social Services, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Maryville Academy, Midwest Adoption Center, St. Mary's Services, Stars of David, and Truthseekers in Adoption.
    If any one of the above named organizations notifies the Director of the Department of Public Health in writing that the organization does not wish to participate on the Advisory Council or that the organization is no longer functioning, the Director shall appoint another organization that represents the same constituency as the named organization to replace the named organization on the Council.
The Council's responsibilities shall include the following:
        1) Advising the Department on the development of
    
rules, procedures, and forms utilized by the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange;
        2) Making recommendations regarding the procedures,
    
tools and technology that will ensure efficient and effective operation of the Registry;
        3) Submitting a report to the Governor and the
    
General Assembly no later than January 1, 2001, on the status of the Registry, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Registry, and pertinent statistics regarding the Registry;
        4) Assisting the Department with the development,
    
publication, and circulation of an informational pamphlet that describes the purpose, function, and mechanics of the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange, including information about who is eligible to register and how to register; information about the questions and concerns that registrants may develop when they register or when they receive information from the Registry; and a list of services, programs, groups, and informational websites that are available to assist registrants with their questions and concerns.
(Source: P.A. 91‑417, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.1)(from Ch. 40, par. 1522.1)
    Sec. 18.1. Disclosure of identifying information.
    (a) The Department of Public Health shall establish and maintain a Registry for the purpose of providing identifying information to mutually consenting members of birth and adoptive families. Identifying information for the purpose of this Act shall mean any one or more of the following:
        (1) The name and last known address of the
    
consenting person or persons.
        (2) A copy of the Illinois Adoption Registry
    
Application of the consenting person or persons.
        (3) A copy of the original certificate of live birth
    
of the adopted or surrendered person.
    Written authorization from all parties identified must be received prior to disclosure of any identifying information.
    (b) At any time after a child is surrendered for adoption, or at any time during the adoption proceedings or at any time thereafter, either birth parent or both of them may file with the Registry a Birth Parent Registration Identification Form and an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (b‑5) A birth sibling 21 years of age or over who was not surrendered for adoption and who has submitted a copy of his or her birth certificate as well as proof of death for a deceased birth parent and such birth parent did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Registry prior to his or her death may file a Registration Identification Form and an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (b‑7) A birth aunt or birth uncle who has submitted birth certificates for himself or herself and for a deceased birth parent naming at least one common biological parent as well as proof of death for the deceased birth parent and such birth parent did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Registry prior to his or her death may file a Registration Identification Form and an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (c) Any adopted person 21 years of age or over, any surrendered person 21 years of age or over, or any adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person under the age of 21 may file with the Registry a Registration Identification Form and an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (c‑3) Any adult child 21 years of age or over of a deceased adopted or surrendered person who has submitted a copy of his or her birth certificate naming an adopted or surrendered person as his or her biological parent as well as proof of death for the deceased adopted or surrendered person and such adopted or surrendered person did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Registry prior to his or her death may file a Registration Identification Form and an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (c‑5) Any surviving spouse of a deceased adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over who has submitted proof of death for the deceased adopted or surrendered person and such adopted or surrendered person did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Registry prior to his or her death as well as a birth certificate naming themselves and the adopted or surrendered person as the parents of a minor child under the age of 21 may file a Registration Identification Form and an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (c‑7) Any adoptive parent or legal guardian of a deceased adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over who has submitted proof of death as well as proof of parentage or guardianship for the deceased adopted or surrendered person and such adopted or surrendered person did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Registry prior to his or her death may file a Registration Identification Form and an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (d) The Department of Public Health shall supply to the adopted or surrendered person or his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children or surviving spouse, and to the birth parents identifying information only if both the adopted or surrendered person, or one of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children or his or her surviving spouse, and the birth parents have filed with the Registry an Information Exchange Authorization and the information at the Registry indicates that the consenting adopted or surrendered person, the child of the consenting adoptive parents or legal guardians, the parent of the consenting adult child of the adopted or surrendered person, or the deceased wife or husband of the consenting surviving spouse is the child of the consenting birth parents.
    The Department of Public Health shall supply to adopted or surrendered persons who are birth siblings identifying information only if both siblings have filed with the Registry an Information Exchange Authorization and the information at the Registry indicates that the consenting siblings have one or both birth parents in common. Identifying information shall be supplied to consenting birth siblings who were adopted or surrendered if any such sibling is 21 years of age or over. Identifying information shall be supplied to consenting birth siblings who were not adopted or surrendered if any such sibling is 21 years of age or over and has proof of death of the common birth parent and such birth parent did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Registry prior to his or her death.
    (d‑3) The Department of Public Health shall supply to the adopted or surrendered person or his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children or surviving spouse, and to a birth aunt identifying information only if both the adopted or surrendered person or one of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children or his or her surviving spouse, and the birth aunt have filed with the Registry an Information Exchange Authorization and the information at the Registry indicates that the consenting adopted or surrendered person, or the child of the consenting adoptive parents or legal guardians, or the parent of the consenting adult child, or the deceased wife or husband of the consenting surviving spouse of the adopted or surrendered person is or was the child of the brother or sister of the consenting birth aunt.
    (d‑5) The Department of Public Health shall supply to the adopted or surrendered person or his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children or surviving spouse, and to a birth uncle identifying information only if both the adopted or surrendered person or one of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children or his or her surviving spouse, and the birth uncle have filed with the Registry an Information Exchange Authorization and the information at the Registry indicates that the consenting adopted or surrendered person, or the child of the consenting adoptive parents or legal guardians, or the parent of the consenting adult child, or the deceased wife or husband of the consenting surviving spouse of the adopted or surrendered person is or was the child of the brother or sister of the consenting birth uncle.
    (e) A registrant may notify the Registry of his or her desire not to have his or her identity revealed or may revoke any previously filed Information Exchange Authorization by completing and filing with the Registry a Registry Identification Form along with a Denial of Information Exchange. The Illinois Adoption Registry Application does not need to be completed in order to file a Denial of Information Exchange. Any registrant may revoke his or her Denial of Information Exchange by filing an Information Exchange Authorization. The Department of Public Health shall act in accordance with the most recently filed Authorization.
    (f) Identifying information ascertained from the Registry shall be confidential and may be disclosed only (1) upon a Court Order, which order shall name the person or persons entitled to the information, or (2) to a registrant who is the subject of an Information Exchange Authorization that was completed by another registrant and filed with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange, or (3) as authorized under subsection (h) of Section 18.3 of this Act. A copy of the certificate of live birth shall only be released to an adopted or surrendered person who was born in Illinois and who is the subject of an Information Exchange Authorization filed by one of his or her birth relatives. Any person who willfully provides unauthorized disclosure of any information filed with the Registry or who knowingly or intentionally files false information with the Registry shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall be liable for damages.
    (g) If information is disclosed pursuant to this Act, the Department shall redact it to remove any identifying information about any party who has not consented to the disclosure of such identifying information.
(Source: P.A. 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.1a)
    Sec. 18.1a. Registry matches.
    (a) The Registry shall release identifying information, as specified on the Information Exchange Authorization, to the following mutually consenting registered parties and provide them with any photographs which have been placed in the Adoption/Surrender Records File and are specifically intended for the registered parties:
        (i) an adult adopted or surrendered person and one
    
of his or her birth relatives who have both filed an applicable Information Exchange Authorization specifying the other consenting party with the Registry, if information available to the Registry confirms that the consenting adopted or surrendered person is biologically related to the consenting birth relative;
        (ii) the adoptive parent or legal guardian of an
    
adopted or surrendered person under the age of 21 and one of the adopted or surrendered person's birth relatives who have both filed an Information Exchange Authorization specifying the other consenting party with the Registry, if information available to the Registry confirms that the child of the consenting adoptive parent or legal guardian is biologically related to the consenting birth relative; and
        (iii) the adoptive parent, adult child or surviving
    
spouse of a deceased adopted or surrendered person, and one of the adopted or surrendered person's birth relatives who have both filed an applicable Information Exchange Authorization specifying the other consenting party with the Registry, if information available to the Registry confirms that child of the consenting adoptive parent, the parent of the consenting adult child or the deceased wife or husband of the consenting surviving spouse of the adopted or surrendered person was biologically related to the consenting birth relative.
    (b) If a registrant is the subject of a Denial of Information Exchange filed by another registered party, the Registry shall not release identifying information to either registrant.
    (c) If a registrant has completed a Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire and has consented to its disclosure, that Questionnaire shall be released to any registered party who has indicated their desire to receive such information on his or her Illinois Adoption Registry Application, if information available to the Registry confirms that the consenting parties are biologically related, that the consenting birth relative and the child of the consenting adoptive parents or legal guardians are birth relatives, or that the consenting birth relative and the deceased wife or husband of the consenting surviving spouse are birth relatives.
(Source: P.A. 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.1b)
    Sec. 18.1b. The Illinois Adoption Registry Application. The Illinois Adoption Registry Application shall substantially include the following:
    (a) General Information. The Illinois Adoption Registry Application shall include the space to provide Information about the registrant including his or her surname, given name or names, social security number (optional), mailing address, home telephone number, gender, date and place of birth, and the date of registration. If applicable and known to the registrant, he or she may include the maiden surname of the birth mother, any subsequent surnames of the birth mother, the surname of the birth father, the given name or names of the birth parents, the dates and places of birth of the birth parents, the surname and given name or names of the adopted person prior to adoption, the gender and date and place of birth of the adopted or surrendered person, the name of the adopted person following his or her adoption and the state and county where the judgment of adoption was finalized.
    (b) Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire. In recognition of the importance of medical information and of recent discoveries regarding the genetic origin of many medical conditions and diseases all registrants shall be asked to voluntarily complete a Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire.
        (1) For birth relatives, the Medical Information
    
Exchange Questionnaire shall include a comprehensive check‑list of medical conditions and diseases including those of genetic origin. Birth relatives shall be asked to indicate all genetically‑inherited diseases and conditions on this list which are known to exist in the adopted or surrendered person's birth family at the time of registration. In addition, all birth relatives shall be apprised of the Registry's provisions for voluntarily submitting information about their and their family's medical histories on a confidential, ongoing basis.
        (2) Adopted and surrendered persons and their
    
adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children, and surviving spouses shall be asked to indicate all genetically‑inherited diseases and medical conditions with which the adopted or surrendered person or, if applicable, his or her children have been diagnosed since birth.
        (3) The Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire
    
shall include a space where the registrant may authorize the release of the Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire to specified registered parties and a disclaimer informing registrants that the Department of Public Health cannot guarantee the accuracy of medical information exchanged through the Registry.
    (c) Written statement. All registrants shall be given the opportunity to voluntarily file a written statement with the Registry. This statement shall be submitted in the space provided. No written statement submitted to the Registry shall include identifying information pertaining to any person other than the registrant who submitted it. Any such identifying information shall be redacted by the Department or returned for removal of identifying information.
    (d) Contact information. All registrants may indicate their wishes regarding contact with any other registrant by completing an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange.
        (1) Information Exchange Authorization. Adopted or
    
surrendered persons 21 years of age or over who would welcome contact with one or more of their birth relatives; birth parents who would welcome contact with an adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over, or one or more of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children, or a surviving spouse; birth siblings 21 years of age or over who were adopted or surrendered and who would welcome contact with an adopted or surrendered person, or one or more of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children, or a surviving spouse; birth siblings 21 years of age or over who were not surrendered and who have submitted proof of death for any common birth parent who did not file a Denial of Information Exchange prior to his or her death, and who would welcome contact with an adopted or surrendered person, or one or more of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children, or a surviving spouse; birth aunts and birth uncles 21 years of age or over who have submitted birth certificates for themselves and a deceased birth parent naming at least one common biological parent as well as proof of death for a deceased birth parent who did not file a Denial of Information Exchange prior to his or her death and who would welcome contact with an adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over, or one or more of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, adult children or a surviving spouse; adoptive parents or legal guardians of adopted or surrendered persons under the age of 21 who would welcome contact with one or more of the adopted or surrendered person's birth relatives; adoptive parents and legal guardians of deceased adopted or surrendered persons 21 years of age or over who have submitted proof of death for a deceased adopted or surrendered person who did not file a Denial of Information Exchange prior to his or her death and who would welcome contact with one or more of the adopted or surrendered person's birth relatives; adult children of deceased adopted or surrendered persons who have submitted a birth certificate naming the adopted or surrendered person as their biological parent and proof of death for an adopted or surrendered person who did not file a Denial of Information Exchange prior to his or her death; and surviving spouses of deceased adopted or surrendered persons who have submitted a marriage certificate naming an adopted or surrendered person as their deceased wife or husband and proof of death for an adopted or surrendered person who did not file a Denial of Information Exchange prior to his or her death and who would welcome contact with one or more of the adopted or surrendered person's birth relatives may specify with whom they wish to exchange identifying information by filing an Information Exchange Authorization.
        (2) Denial of Information Exchange. Adopted or
    
surrendered persons 21 years of age or over who do not wish to establish contact with one or more of their birth relatives may specify with whom they do not wish to exchange identifying information by filing a Denial of Information Exchange. Birth relatives who do not wish to establish contact with an adopted or surrendered person or one or more of his or her adoptive parents, legal guardians, or adult children may specify with whom they do not wish to exchange identifying information by filing a Denial of Information Exchange. Adoptive parents or legal guardians of adopted or surrendered persons under the age of 21 who do not wish to establish contact with one or more of the adopted or surrendered person's birth relatives may specify with whom they do not wish to exchange identifying information by filing a Denial of Information Exchange. Adoptive parents, adult children, and surviving spouses of deceased adoptees who do not wish to establish contact with one or more of the adopted or surrendered person's birth relatives may specify with whom they do not wish to exchange identifying information by filing a Denial of Information Exchange. The Illinois Adoption Registry Application does not need to be completed in order to file a Denial of Information Exchange.
    (e) A registrant may complete all or any part of the Illinois Adoption Registry Application. All Illinois Adoption Registry Applications, Information Exchange Authorizations, Denials of Information Exchange, requests to revoke an Information Exchange Authorization or Denial of Information Exchange, and affidavits submitted to the Registry shall be accompanied by proof of identification.
    (f) The Department shall establish the Illinois Adoption Registry Application form including the Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire by rule.
(Source: P.A. 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.1c)
    Sec. 18.1c. Effective date of registration. Registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange shall become effective as soon as the applicant's completed Illinois Adoption Registry Application has been filed with the Registry.
(Source: P.A. 91‑417, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.2)(from Ch. 40, par. 1522.2)
    Sec. 18.2. Forms.
    (a) The form of the Birth Parent Registration Identification Form shall be substantially as follows:
BIRTH PARENT REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION
(Insert all known information) I, ....., state that I am the ...... (mother or father) of the following child:
    Child's original name: ..... (first) ..... (middle)
        
..... (last), ..... (hour of birth), ..... (date of birth), ..... (city and state of birth), ..... (name of hospital).
    Father's full name: ...... (first) ...... (middle) .....
        
(last), ..... (date of birth), ..... (city and state of birth).
    Name of mother inserted on birth certificate: .....
        
(first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), ..... (race), ..... (date of birth), ...... (city and state of birth).
That I surrendered my child to: ............. (name of
    
agency), ..... (city and state of agency), ..... (approximate date child surrendered).
That I placed my child by private adoption: ..... (date),
    
...... (city and state).
Name of adoptive parents, if known: ......
Other identifying information: .....
........................
(Signature of parent)
............                          ........................
(date)                                (printed name of parent)
 
    (b) The form of the Adopted Person Registration Identification shall be substantially as follows:
ADOPTED PERSON
REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION
(Insert all known information) I, ....., state the following:
    Adopted Person's present name: ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last).
    Adopted Person's name at birth (if known): ..... (first)
        
..... (middle) ..... (last), ..... (birth date), ..... (city and state of birth), ...... (sex), ..... (race).
    Name of adoptive father: ..... (first) ..... (middle)
        
..... (last), ..... (race).
    Maiden name of adoptive mother: ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last), ..... (race).
    Name of birth mother (if known): ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last), ..... (race).
    Name of birth father (if known): ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last), ..... (race).
    Name(s) at birth of sibling(s) having a common birth
        
parent with adoptee (if known): ..... (first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), ..... (race), and name of common birth parent: ..... (first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), ..... (race).
I was adopted through: ..... (name of agency).
I was adopted privately: ..... (state "yes" if known).
I was adopted in ..... (city and state), ..... (approximate
    
date).
Other identifying information: .............
......................
(signature of adoptee)
...........                          .........................
(date)                               (printed name of adoptee)
 
    (c) The form of the Surrendered Person Registration Identification shall be substantially as follows:
SURRENDERED PERSON REGISTRATION
IDENTIFICATION
(Insert all known information) I, ....., state the following:
    Surrendered Person's present name: ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last).
    Surrendered Person's name at birth (if known): .....
        
(first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), .....(birth date), ..... (city and state of birth), ...... (sex), ..... (race).
    Name of guardian father: ..... (first) ..... (middle)
        
..... (last), ..... (race).
    Maiden name of guardian mother: ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last), ..... (race).
    Name of birth mother (if known): ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last) ..... (race).
    Name of birth father (if known): ..... (first) .....
        
(middle) ..... (last), .....(race).
    Name(s) at birth of sibling(s) having a common birth
        
parent with surrendered person (if known): ..... (first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), ..... (race), and name of common birth parent: ..... (first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), ..... (race).
I was surrendered for adoption to: ..... (name of agency).
I was surrendered for adoption in ..... (city and state),
    
..... (approximate date).
Other identifying information: ............
................................
(signature of surrendered person)
............                            ......................
(date)                                 (printed name of person
                                     surrendered for adoption)
 
    (c‑3) The form of the Registration Identification Form for Surviving Relatives of Deceased Birth Parents shall be substantially as follows:
REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION FORM
FOR SURVIVING RELATIVES OF DECEASED BIRTH PARENTS
(Insert all known information) I, ....., state the following:
    Name of deceased birth parent at time of surrender:
    Deceased birth parent's date of birth:
    Deceased birth parent's date of death:
    Adopted or surrendered person's name at birth (if known):
        
.....(first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), .....(birth date), ..... (city and state of birth), ...... (sex), ..... (race).
My relationship to the adopted or surrendered person (check one): (birth parent's non‑surrendered child) (birth parent's sister) (birth parent's brother).
 
If you are a non‑surrendered child of the birth parent, provide name(s) at birth and age(s) of non‑surrendered siblings having a common parent with the birth parent. If more than one sibling, please give information requested below on reverse side of this form. If you are a sibling or parent of the birth parent, provide name(s) at birth and age(s) of the sibling(s) of the birth parent. If more than one sibling, please give information requested below on reverse side of this form.
    Name (First) ..... (middle) ..... (last), .....(birth
        
date), ..... (city and state of birth), ...... (sex), ..... (race).
    Name(s) of common parent(s) (first) ..... (middle) .....
        
(last), .....(race), (first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), .....(race).
My birth sibling/child of my brother/child of my sister/ was
    
surrendered for adoption to ..... (name of agency) City and state of agency ..... Date .....(approximate) Other identifying information ..... (Please note that you must: (i) be at least 21 years of age to register; (ii) submit with your registration a certified copy of the birth parent's birth certificate; (iii) submit a certified copy of the birth parent's death certificate; and (iv) if you are a non‑surrendered birth sibling or a sibling of the deceased birth parent, also submit a certified copy of your birth certificate with this registration. No application from a surviving relative of a deceased birth parent can be accepted if the birth parent filed a Denial of Information Exchange prior to his or her death.)
................................
(signature of birth parent's surviving relative)

 
............                                      ............
(date)                                 (printed name of birth 
                                  parent's surviving relative)
 
    (c‑5) The form of the Registration Identification Form for Surviving Relatives of Deceased Adopted or Surrendered Persons shall be substantially as follows:
REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION FORM FOR
SURVIVING RELATIVES OF DECEASED ADOPTED OR SURRENDERED PERSONS
(Insert all known information) I, ....., state the following:
    Adopted or surrendered person's name at birth (if known):
        
(first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), .....(birth date), ..... (city and state of birth), ...... (sex), ..... (race).
    Adopted or surrendered person's date of death:
My relationship to the deceased adopted or surrendered person(check one): (adoptive mother) (adoptive father) (adult child) (surviving spouse).
If you are an adult child or surviving spouse of the adopted
    
or surrendered person, provide name(s) at birth and age(s) of the children of the adopted or surrendered person. If the adopted or surrendered person had more than one child, please give information requested below on reverse side of this form.
    Name (first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), .....(birth
        
date), ..... (city and state of birth), ...... (sex), ..... (race).
    Name(s) of common parent(s) (first) ..... (middle) .....
        
(last), .....(race), (first) ..... (middle) ..... (last), .....(race).
    My child/parent/deceased spouse was surrendered for
    
adoption to .....(name of agency) City and state of agency ..... Date ..... (approximate) Other identifying information ..... (Please note that you must: (i) be at least 21 years of age to register; (ii) submit with your registration a certified copy of the adopted or surrendered person's death certificate; (iii) if you are the child of a deceased adopted or surrendered person, also submit a certified copy of your birth certificate with this registration; and (iv) if you are the surviving wife or husband of a deceased adopted or surrendered person, also submit a copy of your marriage certificate with this registration. No application from a surviving relative of a deceased adopted or surrendered person can be accepted if the adopted or surrendered person filed a Denial of Information Exchange prior to his or her death.)
................................
(signature of adopted or surrendered person's surviving
        relative)
    

 
............                                      ............
(date)                                (printed name of adopted
                                  person's surviving relative)
 
    (d) The form of the Information Exchange Authorization shall be substantially as follows:
INFORMATION EXCHANGE AUTHORIZATION     I, ....., state that I am the person who completed the Registration Identification; that I am of the age of ..... years; that I hereby authorize the Department of Public Health to give to the following person(s) (birth mother ) (birth father) (birth sibling) (adopted or surrendered person ) (adoptive mother) (adoptive father) (legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person) (birth aunt) (birth uncle) (adult child of a deceased adopted or surrendered person) (surviving spouse of a deceased adopted or surrendered person) (all eligible relatives) the following (please check the information authorized for exchange):
        [  ]  1. Only my name and last known address.
        [  ]  2. A copy of my Illinois Adoption Registry
    
Application.
        [  ]  3. A copy of the original certificate of live
    
birth.
        [  ]  4. A copy of my completed medical
    
questionnaire.
    I am fully aware that I can only be supplied with information about an individual or individuals who have duly executed an Information Exchange Authorization that has not been revoked; that I can be contacted by writing to: ..... (own name or name of person to contact) (address) (phone number).
    Dated (insert date).
                  ..............                  (signature)
 
    (e) The form of the Denial of Information Exchange shall be substantially as follows:
DENIAL OF INFORMATION EXCHANGE     I, ....., state that I am the person who completed the Registration Identification; that I am of the age of ..... years; that I hereby instruct the Department of Public Health not to give any identifying information about me to the following person(s) (birth mother) (birth father) (birth sibling)(adopted or surrendered person)(adoptive mother) (adoptive father)(legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person)(birth aunt)(birth uncle)(adult child of a deceased adopted or surrendered person) (surviving spouse of a deceased adopted or surrendered person) (all eligible relatives) ; that I do not wish to be contacted.
    Dated (insert date).
              ...............                      (signature)
 
    (f) The Information Exchange Authorization and the Denial of Information Exchange shall be acknowledged by the birth parent, birth sibling, adopted or surrendered person, adoptive parent, or legal guardian before a notary public, in form substantially as follows:
State of ..............
County of .............
    I, a Notary Public, in and for the said County, in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that ............... personally known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate of acknowledgement, appeared before me in person and acknowledged that (he or she) signed such certificate as (his or her) free and voluntary act and that the statements in such certificate are true.
    Given under my hand and notarial seal on (insert date).
.........................
(signature)
     
      (g) When the execution of an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange is acknowledged before a representative of an agency, such representative shall have his signature on said Certificate acknowledged before a notary public, in form substantially as follows:
State of..........
County of.........
    I, a Notary Public, in and for the said County, in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that ..... personally known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate of acknowledgement, appeared before me in person and acknowledged that (he or she) signed such certificate as (his or her) free and voluntary act and that the statements in such certificate are true.
    Given under my hand and notarial seal on (insert date).
.......................
(signature)
   
      (h) When an Illinois Adoption Registry Application, Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information Exchange is executed in a foreign country, the execution of such document shall be acknowledged or affirmed before an officer of the United States consular services.
    (i) If the person signing an Information Exchange Authorization or a Denial of Information is in the military service of the United States, the execution of such document may be acknowledged before a commissioned officer and the signature of such officer on such certificate shall be verified or acknowledged before a notary public or by such other procedure as is then in effect for such division or branch of the armed forces.
    (j) The Department shall modify these forms as necessary to implement the provisions of this amendatory Act of 1999 including creating Registration Identification Forms for non‑surrendered birth siblings, adoptive parents and legal guardians.
(Source: P.A. 93‑189, eff. 1‑1‑04; 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.3)(from Ch. 40, par. 1522.3)
    Sec. 18.3. (a) The agency, Department of Children and Family Services, Court Supportive Services, Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court, and any other party to the surrender of a child for adoption or in an adoption proceeding shall obtain from any birth parent or parents giving up a child for purposes of adoption after the effective date of this Act a written statement which indicates: (1) a desire to have identifying information shared with the adopted or surrendered person at a later date; (2) a desire not to have identifying information revealed; or (3) that no decision is made at that time. In addition, the agency, Department of Children and Family Services, Court Supportive Services, Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court, and any other organization involved in the surrender of a child for adoption in an adoption proceeding shall inform the birth parent or parents of a child born, adopted or surrendered in Illinois of the existence of the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange and provide them with the necessary application forms and if requested, assistance with completing the forms.
    (b) When the written statement is signed, the birth parent or parents shall be informed in writing that their decision regarding the sharing of identifying information can be made or changed by such birth parent or parents at any future date.
    (c) The birth parent shall be informed in writing that if sharing of identifying information with the adopted or surrendered person is to occur, that he or she must be 21 years of age or over.
    (d) If the birth parent or parents indicate a desire to share identifying information with the adopted or surrendered person, the birth parent shall complete an Information Exchange Authorization.
    (e) Any birth parent or parents requesting that no identifying information be revealed to the adopted or surrendered person shall be informed that such request will be conveyed to the adopted or surrendered person if he or she requests such information; and such identifying information shall not be revealed.
    (f) Any adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over may also indicate in writing his or her desire or lack of desire to share identifying information with the birth parent or parents or with one or more of his or her birth relatives. Any adopted or surrendered person requesting that no identifying information be revealed to the birth parent or to one or more of his or her birth relatives shall be informed that such request shall be conveyed to the birth parent or birth relative if he or she requests such information; and such identifying information shall not be revealed.
    (g) Any birth parent, birth sibling, adopted or surrendered person, adoptive parent, or legal guardian indicating their desire to receive identifying or medical information shall be informed of the existence of the Registry and assistance shall be given to such person to legally record his or her name with the Registry.
    (h) The agency, Department of Children and Family Services, Court Supportive Services, Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court, and any other organization involved in the surrender of a child for adoption in an adoption proceeding which has written statements from an adopted or surrendered person and the birth parent or a birth sibling indicating a desire to receive identifying information shall supply such information to the mutually consenting parties, except that no identifying information shall be supplied to consenting birth siblings if any such sibling is under 21 years of age. However, both the Registry having an Information Exchange Authorization and the organization having a written statement requesting identifying information shall communicate with each other to determine if the adopted or surrendered person or the birth parent or birth sibling has signed a form at a later date indicating a change in his or her desires regarding the sharing of information. The agreement of the birth parent shall be binding.
    (i) On and after January 1, 2000, any licensed child welfare agency which provides post‑adoption search assistance to adoptive parents, adopted persons, surrendered persons, birth parents, or other birth relatives shall require that any person requesting post‑adoption search assistance complete an Illinois Adoption Registry Application prior to the commencement of the search.
(Source: P.A. 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.3a)(from Ch. 40, par. 1522.3a)
    Sec. 18.3a. Confidential intermediary.
    (a) General purposes. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over, any adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person under the age of 21, or any birth parent of an adopted or surrendered person who is 21 years of age or over may petition the court in any county in the State of Illinois for appointment of a confidential intermediary as provided in this Section for the purpose of exchanging medical information with one or more mutually consenting biological relatives, obtaining identifying information about one or more mutually consenting biological relatives, or arranging contact with one or more mutually consenting biological relatives. Additionally, in cases where an adopted or surrendered person is deceased, an adult child of the adopted or surrendered person or his or her adoptive parents or surviving spouse may file a petition under this Section and in cases where the birth parent is deceased, an adult birth sibling of the adopted or surrendered person or of the deceased birth parent may file a petition under this Section for the purpose of exchanging medical information with one or more mutually consenting biological relatives of the adopted or surrendered person, obtaining identifying information about one or more mutually consenting biological relatives of the adopted or surrendered person, or arranging contact with one or more mutually consenting biological relatives of the adopted or surrendered person. Beginning January 1, 2006, any adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over; any adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person under the age of 21; any birth parent, birth sibling, birth aunt, or birth uncle of an adopted or surrendered person over the age of 21; any surviving child, adoptive parent, or surviving spouse of a deceased adopted or surrendered person who wishes to petition the court for the appointment of a confidential intermediary shall be required to accompany their petition with proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.
    (b) Petition. Upon petition by an adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over, an adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person under the age of 21, or a birth parent of an adopted or surrendered person who is 21 years of age or over, the court shall appoint a confidential intermediary. Upon petition by an adult child, adoptive parent or surviving spouse of an adopted or surrendered person who is deceased, by an adult birth sibling of an adopted or surrendered person whose common birth parent is deceased and whose adopted or surrendered birth sibling is 21 years of age or over, or by an adult sibling of a birth parent who is deceased, and whose surrendered child is 21 years of age or over, the court may appoint a confidential intermediary if the court finds that the disclosure is of greater benefit than nondisclosure. The petition shall state which biological relative or relatives are being sought and shall indicate if the petitioner wants to do any one or more of the following: exchange medical information with the biological relative or relatives, obtain identifying information from the biological relative or relatives, or to arrange contact with the biological relative.
    (c) Order. The order appointing the confidential intermediary shall allow that intermediary to conduct a search for the sought‑after relative by accessing those records described in subsection (g) of this Section.
    (d) Fees and expenses. The court shall condition the appointment of the confidential intermediary on the petitioner's payment of the intermediary's fees and expenses in advance of the commencement of the work of the confidential intermediary.
    (e) Eligibility of intermediary. The court may appoint as confidential intermediary any person certified by the Department of Children and Family Services as qualified to serve as a confidential intermediary. Certification shall be dependent upon the confidential intermediary completing a course of training including, but not limited to, applicable federal and State privacy laws.
    (f) Confidential Intermediary Council. There shall be established under the Department of Children and Family Services a Confidential Intermediary Advisory Council. One member shall be an attorney representing the Attorney General's Office appointed by the Attorney General. One member shall be a currently certified confidential intermediary appointed by the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services. The Director shall also appoint 5 additional members. When making those appointments, the Director shall consider advocates for adopted persons, adoptive parents, birth parents, lawyers who represent clients in private adoptions, lawyers specializing in privacy law, and representatives of agencies involved in adoptions. The Director shall appoint one of the 7 members as the chairperson. An attorney from the Department of Children and Family Services and the person directly responsible for administering the confidential intermediary program shall serve as ex‑officio, non‑voting advisors to the Council. Council members shall serve at the discretion of the Director and shall receive no compensation other than reasonable expenses approved by the Director. The Council shall meet no less than twice yearly, and shall make recommendations to the Director regarding the development of rules, procedures, and forms that will ensure efficient and effective operation of the confidential intermediary process, including:
        (1) Standards for certification for confidential
    
intermediaries.
        (2) Oversight of methods used to verify that
    
intermediaries are complying with the appropriate laws.
        (3) Training for confidential intermediaries,
    
including training with respect to federal and State privacy laws.
        (4) The relationship between confidential
    
intermediaries and the court system, including the development of sample orders defining the scope of the intermediaries' access to information.
        (5) Any recent violations of policy or procedures by
    
confidential intermediaries and remedial steps, including decertification, to prevent future violations.
    (g)  Access. Subject to the limitations of subsection (i) of this Section, the confidential intermediary shall have access to vital records maintained by the Department of Public Health and its local designees for the maintenance of vital records and all records of the court or any adoption agency, public or private, as limited in this Section, which relate to the adoption or the identity and location of an adopted or surrendered person, of an adult child or surviving spouse of a deceased adopted or surrendered person, or of a birth parent, birth sibling, or the sibling of a deceased birth parent. The confidential intermediary shall not have access to any personal health information protected by the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 unless the confidential intermediary has obtained written consent from the person whose information is being sought or, if that person is a minor child, that person's parent or guardian. Confidential intermediaries shall be authorized to inspect confidential relinquishment and adoption records. The confidential intermediary shall not be authorized to access medical records, financial records, credit records, banking records, home studies, attorney file records, or other personal records. In cases where a birth parent is being sought, an adoption agency shall inform the confidential intermediary of any statement filed pursuant to Section 18.3, hereinafter referred to as "the 18.3 statement", indicating a desire of the surrendering birth parent to have identifying information shared or to not have identifying information shared. If there was a clear statement of intent by the sought‑after birth parent not to have identifying information shared, the confidential intermediary shall discontinue the search and inform the petitioning party of the sought‑after relative's intent. Information provided to the confidential intermediary by an adoption agency shall be restricted to the full name, date of birth, place of birth, last known address, last known telephone number of the sought‑after relative or, if applicable, of the children or siblings of the sought‑after relative, and the 18.3 statement.
    (h) Adoption agency disclosure of medical information. If the petitioner is an adult adopted or surrendered person or the adoptive parent of a minor and if the petitioner has signed a written authorization to disclose personal medical information, an adoption agency disclosing information to a confidential intermediary shall disclose available medical information about the adopted or surrendered person from birth through adoption.
    (i) Duties of confidential intermediary in conducting a search. In conducting a search under this Section, the confidential intermediary shall first confirm that there is no Denial of Information Exchange on file with the Illinois Adoption Registry. If the petitioner is an adult child of an adopted or surrendered person who is deceased, the confidential intermediary shall additionally confirm that the adopted or surrendered person did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Illinois Adoption Registry during his or her life. If the petitioner is an adult birth sibling of an adopted or surrendered person or an adult sibling of a birth parent who is deceased, the confidential intermediary shall additionally confirm that the birth parent did not file a Denial of Information Exchange with the Registry during his or her life. If the confidential intermediary learns that a sought‑after birth parent signed a statement indicating his or her intent not to have identifying information shared, and did not later file an Information Exchange Authorization with the Adoption Registry, the confidential intermediary shall discontinue the search and inform the petitioning party of the birth parent's intent.
    In conducting a search under this Section, the confidential intermediary shall attempt to locate the relative or relatives from whom the petitioner has requested information. If the sought‑after relative is deceased or cannot be located after a diligent search, the confidential intermediary may contact other adult relatives of the sought‑after relative.
    The confidential intermediary shall contact a sought‑after relative on behalf of the petitioner in a manner that respects the sought‑after relative's privacy and shall inform the sought‑after relative of the petitioner's request for medical information, identifying information or contact as stated in the petition. Based upon the terms of the petitioner's request, the confidential intermediary shall contact a sought‑after relative on behalf of the petitioner and inform the sought‑after relative of the following options:
        (1) The sought‑after relative may totally reject one
    
or all of the requests for medical information, identifying information or contact. The sought‑after relative shall be informed that they can provide a medical questionnaire to be forwarded to the petitioner without releasing any identifying information. The confidential intermediary shall inform the petitioner of the sought‑after relative's decision to reject the sharing of information or contact.
        (2) The sought‑after relative may consent to
    
completing a medical questionnaire only. In this case, the confidential intermediary shall provide the questionnaire and ask the sought‑after relative to complete it. The confidential intermediary shall forward the completed questionnaire to the petitioner and inform the petitioner of the sought‑after relative's desire to not provide any additional information.
        (3) The sought‑after relative may communicate with
    
the petitioner without having his or her identity disclosed. In this case, the confidential intermediary shall arrange the desired communication in a manner that protects the identity of the sought‑after relative. The confidential intermediary shall inform the petitioner of the sought‑after relative's decision to communicate but not disclose his or her identity.
        (4) The sought after relative may consent to
    
initiate contact with the petitioner. If both the petitioner and the sought‑after relative or relatives are eligible to register with the Illinois Adoption Registry, the confidential intermediary shall provide the necessary application forms and request that the sought‑after relative register with the Illinois Adoption Registry. If either the petitioner or the sought‑after relative or relatives are ineligible to register with the Illinois Adoption Registry, the confidential intermediary shall obtain written consents from both parties that they wish to disclose their identities to each other and to have contact with each other.
    (j) Oath. The confidential intermediary shall sign an oath of confidentiality substantially as follows: "I, .........., being duly sworn, on oath depose and say: As a condition of appointment as a confidential intermediary, I affirm that:
        (1) I will not disclose to the petitioner, directly
    
or indirectly, any confidential information except in a manner consistent with the law.
        (2) I recognize that violation of this oath subjects
    
me to civil liability and to a potential finding of contempt of court. ................................
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me, a Notary Public, on (insert date)
................................."
    (k) Sanctions.
        (1) Any confidential intermediary who improperly
    
discloses confidential information identifying a sought‑after relative shall be liable to the sought‑after relative for damages and may also be found in contempt of court.
        (2) Any person who learns a sought‑after relative's
    
identity, directly or indirectly, through the use of procedures provided in this Section and who improperly discloses information identifying the sought‑after relative shall be liable to the sought‑after relative for actual damages plus minimum punitive damages of $10,000.
        (3) The Department shall fine any confidential
    
intermediary who improperly discloses confidential information in violation of item (1) or (2) of this subsection (k) an amount up to $2,000 per improper disclosure. This fine does not affect civil liability under item (2) of this subsection (k). The Department shall deposit all fines and penalties collected under this Section into the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Fund.
    (l) Death of person being sought. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, if the confidential intermediary discovers that the person being sought has died, he or she shall report this fact to the court, along with a copy of the death certificate.
    (m) Any confidential information obtained by the confidential intermediary during the course of his or her search shall be kept strictly confidential and shall be used for the purpose of arranging contact between the petitioner and the sought‑after birth relative. At the time the case is closed, all identifying information shall be returned to the court for inclusion in the impounded adoption file.
    (n) If the petitioner is an adopted or surrendered person 21 years of age or over or the adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person under the age of 21, any non‑identifying information, as defined in Section 18.4, that is ascertained during the course of the search may be given in writing to the petitioner before the case is closed.
    (o) Except as provided in subsection (k) of this Section, no liability shall accrue to the State, any State agency, any judge, any officer or employee of the court, any certified confidential intermediary, or any agency designated to oversee confidential intermediary services for acts, omissions, or efforts made in good faith within the scope of this Section.
(Source: P.A. 93‑189, eff. 1‑1‑04; 94‑173, eff. 1‑1‑06.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.4) (from Ch. 40, par. 1522.4)
    Sec. 18.4. (a) The agency, Department of Children and Family Services, Court Supportive Services, Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court, or the Probation Officers of the Circuit Court involved in the adoption proceedings shall give in writing the following non‑identifying information, if known, to the adoptive parents not later than the date of placement with the petitioning adoptive parents: (i) age of biological parents; (ii) their race, religion and ethnic background; (iii) general physical appearance of biological parents; (iv) their education, occupation, hobbies, interests and talents; (v) existence of any other children born to the biological parents; (vi) information about biological grandparents; reason for emigrating into the United States, if applicable, and country of origin; (vii) relationship between biological parents; (viii) detailed medical and mental health histories of the child, the biological parents, and their immediate relatives; and (ix) the actual date and place of birth of the adopted person. However, no information provided under this subsection shall disclose the name or last known address of the biological parents, grandparents, the siblings of the biological parents, the adopted person, or any other relative of the adopted person.
    (b) Any adoptee 18 years of age or over shall be given the information in subsection (a) upon request.
    (c) The Illinois Adoption Registry shall release any non‑identifying information listed in (a) of this Section that appears on the certified copy of the original birth certificate or the Certificate of Adoption to an adopted person, adoptive parent, or legal guardian who is a registrant of the Illinois Adoption Registry.
    (d) The Illinois Adoption Registry shall release the actual date and place of birth of an adopted person who is 21 years of age or over to the birth parent if the birth parent is a registrant of the Illinois Adoption Registry and has completed a Medical Information Exchange Authorization.
    (e) The Illinois Adoption Registry shall release information regarding the date the adoption was finalized and the county in which the adoption was finalized to a certified confidential intermediary upon submission of a court order.
    (f) In cases where the Illinois Adoption Registry possesses information indicating that an adopted person who is 21 years of age or over was adopted in a state other than Illinois or a country other than the United States, the Illinois Adoption Registry shall release the name of the state or country where the adoption was finalized and, if available, the agency involved in the adoption to a registrant of the Illinois Adoption Registry, provided the registrant is not the subject of a Denial of Information Exchange and the registrant has completed a Medical Information Exchange Authorization.
    (g) Any of the above available information for any adoption proceedings completed before the effective date of this Act shall be supplied to the adoptive parents or an adoptee 18 years of age or over upon request.
    (h) The agency, Department of Children and Family Services, Court Supportive Services, Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court, the Probation Officers of the Circuit Court and any other governmental bodies having any of the above information shall retain the file until the adoptee would have reached the age of 99 years.
(Source: P.A. 93‑189, eff. 1‑1‑04.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.4a) (from Ch. 40, par. 1522.4a)
    Sec. 18.4a. Medical and mental health histories.
    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, to the extent currently in possession of the agency, the medical and mental health histories of a child legally freed for adoption and of the birth parents, with information identifying the birth parents eliminated, shall be provided by an agency to the child's prospective adoptive parent and shall be provided upon request to an adoptive parent when a child has been adopted. The medical and mental health histories shall include all the following available information:
        (1) Conditions or diseases believed to be hereditary.
        (2) Drugs or medications taken by the child's birth
    
mother during pregnancy.
        (3) Psychological and psychiatric information.
        (4) Any other information that may be a factor
    
influencing the child's present or future health.
    (b) The Department of Children and Family Services may promulgate rules and regulations governing the release of medical histories under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 91‑417, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.5) (from Ch. 40, par. 1522.5)
    Sec. 18.5. Liability. No liability shall attach to the State, any agency thereof, any licensed agency, any judge, any officer or employee of the court, or any party or employee thereof involved in the surrender of a child for adoption or in an adoption proceeding for acts or efforts made within the scope of Sections 18.05 thru 18.5, inclusive, of this Act and under its provisions, except for subsection (f) of Section 18.1.
(Source: P.A. 91‑417, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.6) (from Ch. 40, par. 1522.6)
    Sec. 18.6. Registry fees. The Department of Public Health shall levy a fee for each registrant under Sections 18.05 through 18.5. A $40 fee shall be charged for registering with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange. However, this fee shall be waived for all adopted or surrendered persons, adoptive parents, legal guardians, birth parents, and birth siblings who complete a Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire at the time of registration and authorize its release to specified registered parties, and for adoptive parents registering within 12 months of the finalization of the adoption. All persons who were registered with the Illinois Adoption Registry prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1999 and who wish to update their registration may do so without charge. No charge of any kind shall be made for the withdrawal of any form provided in Section 18.2.
(Source: P.A. 91‑417, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.7)
    Sec. 18.7. Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange Fund. There is created in the State treasury a special fund to be known as the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange Fund. All fees collected by the Illinois Adoption Registry under this amendatory Act of 1999 shall be deposited into the Fund. Subject to appropriation, the amounts in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Public Health to conduct activities related to maintaining the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange and issuing any documents and forms related to the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.
(Source: P.A. 91‑417, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/18.8)
    Sec. 18.8. Improper disclosure of identifying information. All information submitted to the Registry is confidential and gathered by the State solely for the purpose of facilitating the exchange of updated medical data and contact information between adopted and surrendered persons and other registered parties. Information exchanged through the Registry shall not be admissible as evidence nor discoverable in any action of any kind in any court or before any tribunal, board, agency, or commission. Disclosure of identifying information in violation of this Act is a Class A misdemeanor.
(Source: P.A. 91‑417, eff. 1‑1‑00.)

    (750 ILCS 50/19) (from Ch. 40, par. 1523)
    Sec. 19. Registration new birth certificate. Upon the entry of a judgment of adoption, the clerk of the court that entered the judgment shall prepare a certificate of adoption and send the certificate to the Department of Public Health, pursuant to Sections 16 and 17 of the Vital Records Act. The statutory fee of the clerk of the court for that certificate shall be paid by the petitioners.
    Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the amendment of a birth certificate in accordance with subsection (6) of Section 22 of the Vital Records Act.
(Source: P.A. 89‑257; eff. 1‑1‑96.)

    (750 ILCS 50/20) (from Ch. 40, par. 1524)
    Sec. 20. Practice. The provisions of the Civil Practice Law and all existing and future amendments of that Law and the Supreme Court Rules now or hereafter adopted in relation to that Law shall apply to all adoption proceedings except as otherwise specifically provided in this Act.
    Proceedings under this Act shall receive priority over other civil cases in being set for hearing.
    No matters not germane to the distinctive purpose of a proceeding under this Act shall be introduced by joinder, counterclaim or otherwise.
    An appeal from a judgment order for adoption or other appealable orders under this Act shall be prosecuted and heard on an expedited basis, unless good cause for doing otherwise is shown.
    In the event a judgment order for adoption is vacated or a petition for adoption is denied, the court shall promptly conduct a hearing as to the temporary and permanent custody of the minor child who is the subject of the proceedings pursuant to Part VI of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The parties to said proceedings shall be the petitioners to the adoption proceedings, the minor child, any biological parents whose parental rights have not been terminated, and other parties who have been granted leave to intervene in the proceedings.
    This Act shall be liberally construed, and the rule that statutes in derogation of the common law must be strictly construed shall not apply to this Act.
    All defects in pleadings, either in form or substance, not objected to prior to the entry of final judgment, shall be deemed to be waived.
    As to persons over whom the court had jurisdiction or persons claiming under them, it shall be no basis for attack as to the validity of an adoption judgment that the court lacked jurisdiction over some other person or persons over whom it should have had jurisdiction. If, upon attack by a person or persons over whom the court lacked jurisdiction, or persons claiming under them, an adoption judgment is set aside, it shall be set aside only insofar as it affects such person or persons.
    The provisions of this Section shall apply to all cases pending on or after July 3, 1994.
(Source: P.A. 89‑315, eff. 1‑1‑96; 90‑655, eff. 7‑30‑98.)

    (750 ILCS 50/20a) (from Ch. 40, par. 1525)
    Sec. 20a. Construction of Act. The best interests and welfare of the person to be adopted shall be of paramount consideration in the construction and interpretation of this Act. It is in the best interests of persons to be adopted that this Act be construed and interpreted so as not to result in extending time limits beyond those set forth herein.
(Source: P.A. 88‑550, eff. 7‑3‑94.)

    (750 ILCS 50/20b)
    Sec. 20b. Time limit for relief from final judgment or order. A petition for relief from a final order or judgment entered in a proceeding under this Act, after 30 days from the entry thereof under the provisions of Sec. 2‑1401 of the Code of Civil Procedure or otherwise, must be filed not later than one year after the entry of the order or judgment.
(Source: P.A. 88‑550, eff. 7‑3‑94; 89‑315, eff. 1‑1‑96.)

    (750 ILCS 50/21)(from Ch. 40, par. 1526)
    Sec. 21. Compensation for placing of children prohibited. No person, agency, association, corporation, institution, society or other organization, except a child welfare agency as defined by the "Child Care Act", approved July 10, 1957, as now or hereafter amended, shall receive or accept, or pay or give any compensation or thing of value, directly or indirectly, for providing adoption services, as that term is defined in the Child Care Act of 1969, including placing out of a child as is more specifically provided in "An Act to prevent the payment or receipt of compensation for placing out children for adoption or for the purpose of providing care", approved July 14, 1955, as now or hereafter amended.
(Source: P.A. 94‑586, eff. 8‑15‑05.)

    (750 ILCS 50/22) (from Ch. 40, par. 1527)
    Sec. 22. Partial invalidity.
    If any part of this Act is held by any court to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision or judgment shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Act.
(Source: Laws 1959, p. 1269.)

    (750 ILCS 50/23) (from Ch. 40, par. 1528)
    Sec. 23. Repeal ‑ Saving.
    "An Act in relation to the adoption of children and to repeal an Act therein named", approved June 30, 1945, as amended is repealed.
    Such repeal shall not in any way affect an act done or a right, power or remedy given or accrued under any statute in force prior to the effective date of this Act.
    The execution of a consent or surrender, prior to the effective date of this Act, shall not affect its validity for use in a proceeding under this Act, if such consent or surrender was executed in accordance with law then in effect.
(Source: Laws 1959, p. 1269.)

    (750 ILCS 50/24) (from Ch. 40, par. 1529)
    Sec. 24. Effective date. This Act shall take effect January 1, 1960.
(Source: Laws 1959, p. 1269.)

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Illinois may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.