Adoption Program Information, Policies, and Fees
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, Cristina Cook.
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 6726-11. You can download the most recent DCFS Annual Report (294 KB) or request a hard copy by calling the agency at 1-630-653-6400.
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Basic Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for adopting through ECFA in Illinois are the following:
Residence: Must live in Illinois within a 50-mile radius of our Wheaton office. 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.
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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.
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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 at mail@evancfa.org or from ECFA's Wheaton office at 630-653-6400.
| Category | Fee Range | Comments | ||
| Healthy Infant | $10,000 to $22,000 | Based upon adjusted gross family income | ||
| Special Needs | $6,500 to $12,000 | Based upon adjusted gross family income | ||
| Agency-Assisted International/Interstate |
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 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)
- 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.
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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:
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.
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.
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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 ECFA's 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.
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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 (294 KB) to download the most recent report or request a hard copy by calling the agency at 1-630-653-6400.
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. Click on Annual Audit (250 KB) to download a copy of the most recent year's audit or request a hard copy by calling the agency at 1-630-653-6400.
