Adoption Program Information
Introduction
The following is designed to provide prospective
adoptive clients with comprehensive information about ECFA's Illinois
Adoption Program. It answers many questions about the specifics of our
program, but if you have any questions or need more information, please
call ECFA at 630-653-6400 and ask for the Adoption Supervisor or the
Adoption Intake Worker.
ECFA's Adoption Program is accredited by the
Council on Accreditation
for Children and Family Services.
ECFA's Adoption Program is licensed by the Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services. The Child Welfare License number is
6726-10.
Agency History
Summary of Service
1. Philosophy of Service
2. Staffing
3. Other services
Types of
Placements
1. Interstate
2. Agency Assisted - International and Independent Domestic
3. Infant and Toddler
4. Special Needs
Basic Eligibility
Criteria
Summary of
Adoption Practices
1. Application
2. Confidentiality
3. Adoptive Study
4. Disruptions or Dissolutions
5. Adoption Profiles
6. Licensing
7. Education
8. Openness Continuum
9. Indian Child Welfare Act
10. Post Placement Supervision
11. Post-Legal Adoption Services
Fees, Financial Information and
Refund Policy
Mutual
Rights and Responsibilities
Description of Complaint
Process
Annual Report to Department of
Children and Family Services
Audited Financial
Statements
Agency History
Since its founding in 1950, Evangelical Child and Family Agency (ECFA)
has honored the concept of adoption. That is reflected in the event that
motivated evangelical leaders in Chicago to establish ECFA. In 1946, a
young woman abandoned a newborn little girl in a Campbell's soup box at
the women's dormitory of Moody Bible Institute. She was called "Isabel
Lillian" and was subsequently adopted by a local Christian family.
Since the time of its inception, ECFA has placed almost 3,500 children of
all races, nationalities and needs with evangelical families throughout
northeastern Illinois and eastern Wisconsin.
The vision statement of ECFA states: "We provide compassionate
Christ-centered services, offering hope and healing to children, adults,
and families."
Evangelical Child and Family Agency (ECFA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
Child Welfare Agency licensed by the State of Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services (Child Welfare License # 6726-10). All of
the services of ECFA, including adoptions, are accredited by the
Council
on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA). ECFA is
affiliated with the following organizations:
| • | Child Welfare League of America | ||
| • | Child Care Association of Illinois | ||
| • | United Way of Metropolitan Chicago | ||
| • | Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability | ||
| • | National Association of Evangelicals | ||
ECFA provides services at several locations in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin residents can learn about the Wisconsin adoption program at
www.ecfawisc.org, or by calling 262/789-1881. Illinois service sites are
located in Wheaton (also the corporate office), Evergreen Park, and
Chicago. Adoption staff in Illinois are located at the Wheaton office.
The phone number is 630/653-5400; the fax number is 630/653-6490; the e-mail address is mail@evancfa.org.
The information described on this web site will provide helpful guidance
for persons considering the possibility of adopting a child. Reading it
may help you to determine whether or not you might be interested in
contacting ECFA. More information is available at one of the orientation
meetings scheduled regularly at the Wheaton office.
Summary of Service
Philosophy of Service
Evangelical Child and Family Agency's Adoption Program emphasizes a
personalized and comprehensive approach to its clients, and a commitment
to excellence in its services. The following are the primary elements of
the program's philosophy of service:
| • | We seek to find appropriate families for children, and are committed to protecting the best interests of each child served by ECFA. | ||
| • | We provide information that enables those we serve to make informed, prayerful, and realistic decisions about the adoption of a child. | ||
| • | We equip those we serve with training, resources and support needed to excel in the parenting role. Parenting adopted children is more than just receiving placement. It is a life-long journey with many joys and challenges along the way. We are partners along that journey. | ||
| • | We assist those we serve in preparing for adoption emotionally, financially, physically and spiritually. This is accomplished through a team approach that includes the adoptive clients, the adoption worker, birth parents and the child(ren). Regarding levels of openness between the adoptive and birth parents, we take an individualized, rather than a one-size-fits-all, approach. The uniqueness of each situation is emphasized. | ||
| • | We help to facilitate a process that is appropriate for all members of the adoption triad, especially the needs of the child(ren) regarding the desires of the birth parents and the capabilities and desires of the adoptive parents. | ||
| • | We help the adoptive parents to discover that they are merging their family with that of the child. For some, this means discovering the challenges, joys, and frustrations of adopting a child from another cultural, racial background, or older child. |
Staff
The staff of ECFA's Illinois Adoption Program are all Master's level
professionals and interns, many of whom have achieved the optimal state
license for their profession. Our staff of full and part-time adoption
workers have experience in all types of adoptions. The agency
administrative staff have also has extensive experience in adoption and
foster care work.
Other Agency Services
Evangelical Child and Family Agency provides a continuum of services
that includes individual, marriage/couple, and family counseling
(through ECFA Counseling Centers),
Pregnancy Support Services(PSS),
Foster Care, and
Intact Family Services. PSS staff work closely with the
Adoption Program on behalf of women who desire adoption for their
children. The resources of these programs are also available to families
in the Adoption Program as needed.
Referrals
ECFA will assist persons in identifying other adoption resources if it
is determined that ECFA will not be able to provide the requested
services.
Types of Adoption Placements
Depending upon the type of adoption, services provided by ECFA include
pre-placement preparation and education, adoptive studies and
post-placement support and supervision. The types of adoptive placements
facilitated through ECFA include Agency-Assisted (international,
interstate, and independent), Special Needs, and Healthy Infant and
Toddler. There may be periods of time when we do not accept new clients
for one or more types of children. You will be informed of that at our
orientation meetings.
1. Agency-Assisted: There are two main types of Agency-Assisted
placements: international and independent domestic placements.
| • | International: ECFA works with other placing agencies by providing adoptive studies, post-placement services and education. In recent years, ECFA has assisted in the placement of children from more than 20 countries. Our staff can assist you in selecting a suitable placement agency or country. International Adoptions is governed by thy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) and the Hague Treaty. Under that treaty, ECFA will be providing services to families as a "Supervised Provider" with those agencies accredited under the Treaty. The United States is expected to ratify the treaty sometime in 2007. | ||
| • | Interstate: ECFA is licensed (#6726-10) by the Department of Children and Family Services to place children in the State of Illinois, whether they are born in Illinois or in other states. Children born in other states may be placed in Illinois only with the approval of the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) of both the sending and the receiving states. ECFA provides pre-placement preparation, adoptive studies, and post- placement services, unless noted otherwise. | ||
| • | Independent Domestic: This service includes applicants who have already identified a child through other sources, such as private individuals, or agencies in other states or countries. ECFA will study the applicants in a manner consistent with the child's best interests. | ||
2. Domestic Healthy Infant and Toddler: This includes all children from
newborn to three years of age from any racial or cultural background.
They are generally healthy although some may have minor (often
correctable) health problems. There is usually a longer wait for such
children because relatively few are available for placement. Some
families adopting through this category are selected by birth mothers
from ECFA's Pregnancy Support Services program. Infertility is required
unless it is determined the best interests of a child can be met by
someone with fertility issues. Birth mothers tend to select families who
have no children.
3. Domestic Special Needs: Individual children and sibling groups of all
ages and racial backgrounds may be available. The needs of these
children may include, but are not limited to, lifelong disabilities and
problematic medical conditions (some correctable), drug and/or alcohol
exposure, and victimization by abuse and/or neglect. ECFA works closely
with adoptive parents to help determine their readiness to adopt special
needs children. ECFA also helps to identify resources to help support a
successful placement.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for adopting through ECFA in Illinois are
the following:
Residence: Must live in Illinois within 50-mile radius of our offices.
This generally includes persons living in the Illinois counties of
Boone, Cook, DeKalb, Du Page, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake,
LaSalle, McHenry, Ogle, and Will.
Spiritual Affiliation: Identify oneself as a Protestant, evangelical
Christian and be active in
a Protestant, evangelical congregation. A reference from the person's
pastor is requested and an interview with an agency Pastoral Consultant
is held. Adoptive parent applicants are expected to agree with, and
sign, a document entitled Christian Lifestyle Guidelines.
Age: All ages of applicants are able to apply for adoption. Note:
Foreign countries may have limitations on the ages of adoptive parents.
Marital Status: Couples applying to adopt must be male and female who
have been married at least two years and who have developed a mature,
intimate relationship with one another. Married applicants who have been
divorced are eligible to apply. Effects of the divorce will be explored
as part of the adoptive study.
Single Applicants: Single persons are eligible to apply for all
categories of children. However, most birth parents express a preference
for married couples. Some foreign countries may limit eligible persons
to married couples.
Physical Health: A medical examination by a physician must verify that
the applicants are in good general physical health that insures their
physical and emotional capabilities to care for the child(ren). There
may be factors related to the health of the applicant(s) that will be
addressed in the adoptive study.
Fertility-Related Issues: Before applying to adopt healthy infants or
toddlers, applicants may be asked to provide medical information from a
physician regarding fertility issues. Lack of physical causes of
fertility issues do not automatically rule out applicants.
Finances: Applicants must live within their means and demonstrate their
ability to meet the basic needs of any child(ren) in the home.
Emotional Health: Applicants should demonstrate general emotional
stability that enables them to understand and meet the child(ren)'s
needs. Emotional readiness is determined in part by the adoptive study,
which is also called a bio-psycho-social assessment, and the medical
information. Applicants may be required to seek counseling or
psychological evaluation if problematic issues are identified.
Housing: The applicants' home must meet the state of Illinois minimum
licensing standards for safety/sanitation/and space. (Link to DCFS web
site) Each applicant receives a copy of the standards.
Time Between Placements: Applications for subsequent adoptions can be
made after six months following finalization of the most recent
adoption.
Summary of Adoption Practices
1. Application: Persons must first participate in an orientation meeting
before applying to adopt. These meetings are held twice each month on
weekday evenings at ECFA's Wheaton office. All categories of adoption
and the steps in the adoption process are described at these meetings.
Questions are also answered.
2. Confidentiality: The protection of the privacy of all members of the
adoption triad is fundamental in ECFA's Adoption Program and a
requirement of state and federal law. No information will be given or
received without the prior written authorization of the person (or legal
representative) whose information is being released or requested.
3. Adoptive Study: The study is conducted over a period of several weeks
and includes interviews held at ECFA's office as well as an interview in
the applicants' home. The adoptive study is also called a
bio-psycho-social assessment. It is an opportunity to gather
comprehensive information about the applicants so that a mutual decision
can be made regarding the adoptive placement. Key purposes of the study
are to help the applicants discern the type of child(ren) they are
prepared to adopt as well as inform them about what that means for them
and the child.
The Adoption Worker presents each adoptive applicant to the other
adoption team members prior to the end of the study. The team must
generally agree that the family should be approved, or delayed to
further explore issues. The completion of the adoptive study may be
delayed to provide opportunity to address any problematic issues that
may be identified. It is important to recognize that the ECFA's primary
concern is for the welfare and best interests of any child to be placed.
4. Disruptions and Dissolutions: On occasion, one or more factors may
lead to the situation where the child's needs are not being met and the
placement needs to be discontinued. All reasonable steps will be taken
before a child is removed from the adoptive home. Examples of factors
leading to disruption include alleged abuse or neglect, domestic
violence, or lack of success in managing the behavior or emotional needs
of the child. Disruption, as described here, can only occur prior to
finalization. Dissolution occurs only after finalization in accordance
with the laws of the State of Illinois related to abuse/neglect or
voluntary consent by the parents.
5. Adoption Profiles: Adoptive applicants considering domestic adoption
are asked to assemble a profile of photos and written information that
is given to the birth parents. A minimum of three profiles is shared
with the birth parents as part of the process of identifying prospective
adoptive couples to be considered for placement of their child. The
adoption worker provides guidance on assembling the profile.
6. Licensing: ECFA is accountable to the State of Illinois as a
condition of its Child Welfare License (#6726-10). The purpose of the
license is to help insure the well being of children. A licensing
inspection is conducted to determine compliance with state requirements.
The family is issued an adopt-only foster home license that covers the
period between placement and finalization. This includes families whose
adoptions are finalized in other countries or states. The adopt-only
foster home license is issued by the Department of Children and Family
Services for a period of four years.
7. Education: The education process of adoptive applicants is an
important component of pre-placement preparation. Education takes many
forms, some of which include reading articles and books, speaking to
other adoptive parents, participating in an adoptive parents' support
group, viewing videos and attending classes, either on line or in
person. Adoptive applicants in the Domestic Special Needs program are
encouraged to attend a series of parenting classes called PRIDE. This is
a free, comprehensive 29 hour series of group classes on various aspects
of parenting.
8. Openness Continuum: ECFA practices what is called the "Openness
Continuum." The level of openness can range from only non-identifying
information being shared, to an ongoing face-to-face relationship
between the members of the adoption triad. ECFA believes in the benefits
of openness, however the level of openness desired varies from person to
person. ECFA seeks to match adoptive parents with a child from birth
parents who have similar expectations around issues of openness.
9. Indian Child Welfare Act: Children of birth parents who are members
of a Native American tribe will be placed only if the tribal authorities
do not object to the placement.
10. Post-Placement Supervision: One of the agency's primary
responsibilities is to assure that the placement is proceeding smoothly
for all parties. This information is obtained from regular visits with
the family in their home. Frequency ranges from once every two months to
monthly or more frequently, depending upon Illinois law, the
requirements of the placing agency and the needs of the child. Some
countries require visits to continue beyond the date the adoption is
finalized. The first post-placement visit normally occurs about one
month after the placement. The post-placement worker is available during
the post-placement period to consult with the family regarding problems
or questions.
11. Post Legal Adoption Services: As permitted by state law, the agency
will assist members of the adoption triad in obtaining identifying or
non-identifying information. A separate fee is charged for this service.
Description of Fees and Financial Information
The following information about fees applies only to the services
provided by ECFA. For adoptive applicants using other agencies for
interstate or international placements, there are additional fees
charged by those agencies. Adoptive applicants are encouraged to obtain
fee information from those agencies.
1. The following fee summary is current for this calendar year. A
complete fee schedule is available upon request by e-mail for from
ECFA's Wheaton office at 630-653-6400.
| Category | Fee Range | Comments | ||
| Healthy Infant & Toddler | $9775 to $18,175 | Based upon adjusted gross family income | ||
| Special Needs | $6,300 to $10,500 | Based upon adjusted gross family income | ||
| Agency-Assisted International & Domestic |
Average around $5,000 | Fees are determined by the blend of services provided |
2. Refund Policy: The application fee of $300 is
non-refundable, regardless of the circumstances. If the adoption study
is discontinued by decision of either or both parties, a percentage of
the adoptive study fee will be refunded, if paid (or due, if not paid),
on the following basis:
| Portion of the process completed | Percent due, if not already paid |
Percent to be refunded, if already paid |
||
| Up to 2 interviews held | 25% | 75% | ||
| Three or four interviews held | 50% | 50% | ||
| Five or six interviews held | 75% | 25% | ||
| Upon signed completion of adoptive study | 100% | 0% | ||
| Disruption after placement | Post placement fees for visits conducted |
None |
3. Availability of Fee Assistance: Fee assistance may be available,
depending upon available funds. Application for assistance must first be
made on the appropriate agency forms. Factors considered in determining
the assistance given include family income compared to the median level
for the geographic area, involvement in a Christian ministry, and the
type of child being adopted.
4. Explanation of tax credit: The Internal Revenue Service provides a
tax credit of up to $10,960 for those adopting. Click here for the IRS
Web Site.
5. Insurance coverage: Adoptive families are expected to have health
insurance coverage for their child(ren) effective from the date of
placement.
6. State Subsidy: Parents of children with chronic health or mental
health conditions may qualify for an adoption subsidy from the Illinois
Department of Children and Family Services. The ECFA adoption worker
will provide assistance in obtaining information about this resource.
7. Types of Anticipated Expenses: There are several types of expenses
associated with adopting a child. They include the following: Payable to
ECFA (by check or credit card):
| • | Application Fee (non-refundable) | ||
| • | Adoptive Study Fee (normally due at the beginning of the study) | ||
| • | Balance of the adoption fee (due prior to finalization) | ||
| • | Certain medical expenses (of the child if not paid by a third party) | ||
| • | Certain medical expenses (of the child if not paid by a third party) | ||
| • | Education Fee | ||
| • | Birth parent counseling costs | ||
| • | Inter-agency fees | ||
Fees Payable to other parties:
Attorney Fee - for legal assistance in the finalization process (payable
directly to the attorney utilized for this service)
For persons pursuing an international adoption, separate fees and costs
are paid to the international placing agency and are available for that
agency.
Not all fees apply to all placements. A fee agreement for each specific
case is developed and signed by the adoptive parents and the agency.
For a more detailed description about fees, please contact a
representative of ECFA's Adoption Program at 630/653-6400.
Mutual Rights and Responsibilities
Adopting a child through ECFA is a team effort between the agency and
the adoptive parents. There are basic rights and responsibilities that
apply to each party:
Adoptive Clients
The responsibilities of the adoptive clients include to:
1. Be open, candid and honest in the information you provide to the
agency.
2. Pay the costs of the adoption as agreed to in the Fee Agreement.
3. See yourselves as a cooperative member of the team that includes the
agency adoption worker.
4. Take seriously the task of educating yourselves regarding adoptions.
5. Refrain from engaging in any form of corporal punishment while
licensed as an adopt-only foster parent.
The rights of the adoptive parents include to:
1. Be treated with dignity and respect.
2. Receive information about how to file a complaint or grievance.
3. Receive prompt and timely service.
4. Participate in decisions about the services received.
5. Be informed about the cost of services.
6. No be discriminated against in receiving services with in the
description of eligibility criteria.
Agency
The responsibilities of the Agency include to:
1. Provide quality services centered around the best interests of the
child(ren)
2. Treat clients with dignity and respect.
3. Provide all available information about the child(ren).
4. Be available to the clients for consultation, support and
information.
5. Provide prompt and timely service.
6. Involve the clients in decisions effecting them.
The rights of the Agency include to:
1. Make decisions that are in the best interests of the child, including
the decision to delay and withhold placements.
2. Charge reasonable fees for the services provided.
3. Regularly monitor the placement of the child.
4. Enforce the conditions of the adopt-only foster care license.
Complaint Process
The following complaint process applies to all services in the Illinois
District - Adoptions, Counseling, Family Preservation Services, Foster
Care and Pregnancy Support Services:
1. This complaint procedure will be provided in written form to
prospective clients before they sign any agreement to receive services
or pay any fees.
2. A copy of this policy and procedure will be signed and dated by the
client and maintained in ECFAÕs client file. Copies will also be given
to clients. If the client's primary language is Spanish, a copy will be
provided in Spanish.
3. Evangelical Child and Family Agency (ECFA) will initiate an
investigation of written complaints within two (2) business days of
receiving the written complaint. Clients with special needs who require
assistance putting their complaint into writing shall be provided with
assistance by an agency staff person or another individual of the
client's choice.
4. ECFA will maintain written documentation of all complaints received.
5. The complaint investigation will be finalized within ten (10)
business days after the complaint is received. The resolution/report
shall be sent, in writing by regular mail, to the complaining party. For
clients who have any DCFS involvement, a copy will be sent to agency's
DCFS regional licensing office or licensing representative. If
extenuating circumstances require additional time for resolution, an
interim report shall still be provided to the complaining party and to
DCFS (if applicable) at the 10-day point. The interim report shall
include the reason for the delay and an estimated completion date of the
investigation and response. The interim report to DCFS (if applicable)
shall include a copy of the written complaint. A final report shall be
provided to the same parties when completed.
6. ECFA will not retaliate against complainants in any manner.
7. ECFA has designated the following management-level staff persons to
accept and coordinate the response to complaints: Director of Child
Welfare Services (for Family Preservation and Foster Care clients) and
Director of Clinical Services (for Adoption, Counseling and Pregnancy
Support Services clients.) The phone number is 630 653-6400; the e mail
address is mail@evancfa.org.
8. The written complaint and Agency response will be reviewed by the
Agency's Social Service Committee. The resolution of all complaints,
including the copies of complaints and responses will be reported to the
Agency's Board of Directors at the next meeting following completion of
the final report. The reports of complaint resolutions that are made to
the committee and Board will be noted in the minutes of the respective
meetings.
Questions about the above procedure may be directed to the Director of
Child Welfare Services or Director of Clinical Services.
Annual Report to Department of
Children and Family Services
Each year, around October 1st, ECFA files an Annual Report with the
Department of Children and Family Services about its Adoption Program.
The contains information about the operation of the program for the
prior year and includes the following types of information:
non-identifying information on the number of people served (includes
adoptive families, birth families and children placed); status of the
Agency's Child Welfare License; accreditation status; record of
complaints, lawsuits and investigations; and audited financial
information.
Click on Annual Report to view the most recent Annual Report. A copy may
be downloaded or a hard copy requested by contacting the agency.
Click on
DCFS to access information about other Illinois adoption
agencies and information related to DCFS licensing requirements and
subsidy information.
Audited Financial Statement
ECFA is audited on an annual basis by an independent auditing firm. A
copy of the most recent year's audit is can be viewed by clicking on
Annual Audit.