Adult Adopted Person Forms - The Cradle
Adult Adopted Person Forms - The Cradle
Adult Adopted Person Forms - The Cradle
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong>’s Mutual Consent Registry<br />
Many people choose to sign <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong>’s Mutual Consent Registry. <strong>The</strong> registry, which was created in 1985,<br />
allows people to let us know that they are open to having contact with a birth relative. <strong>Cradle</strong> adopted people<br />
may register at age 21. <strong>Cradle</strong> adoptive parents of a child under age 21 may register on behalf of their child.<br />
<strong>Cradle</strong> birth parents may register at any time following the adoption. Under certain conditions, relatives of birth<br />
parents and descendants of adopted people may also register. Once the forms are submitted for <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong>’s<br />
Registry, they remain on record indefinitely. If there is a match, at the time of registering or in the future, <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>Cradle</strong> will contact each person and assist in exchanging information based on preauthorization from each<br />
individual involved. If direct contact is not desired, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> can facilitate an exchange of letters, photos,<br />
information, telephone calls, or a meeting.<br />
PLEASE NOTE: It is important when participating in the registry to keep <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> updated on any<br />
changes to your name, phone number, email or mailing address.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange<br />
<strong>The</strong> Illinois Adoption Registry was created as a means for those involved in an adoption that took place in<br />
Illinois to contact biological relatives. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> Registry is not connected to <strong>The</strong> Illinois Adoption Registry.<br />
<strong>The</strong> law requires that a person requesting a Search must be registered with the Illinois Adoption Registry before<br />
a private agency like <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> may conduct any Search and Outreach for a biological relative. In order for<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> to proceed with a request for a Search, we need a copy of the confirmation letter you received from<br />
the Illinois Adoption Registry verifying your registration. <strong>Forms</strong> for the Illinois Adoption Registry can be<br />
obtained through the website, www.idph.state.il.us or by calling 877-323-5299 (toll-free) or (217) 557-5159.<br />
Reaching Out<br />
In some cases we are not able to make a match through the Registry. When that is the case, many of our clients<br />
choose to move ahead with a Search for their birth relative. In conducting a Search, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> uses information<br />
given at the time of the adoption and any information obtained thereafter. A variety of Search techniques are used<br />
depending on the information available. Searches through <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> are conducted in an ethical and respectful<br />
manner, and the confidentiality of all parties is maintained. It is important to consider the many possible outcomes<br />
when requesting a search. Reaching Out services are for <strong>Cradle</strong> families only.<br />
Basic Search<br />
All searches begin with a Basic Search. A Basic Search utilizes the information available in the record and<br />
Internet search engines, to try to locate a current address for your birth relative. If a possible address is located,<br />
an outreach letter is sent to your birth relative. When a current address is not located through a Basic Search,<br />
people often choose to upgrade to an Extended Search.<br />
Extended Search<br />
An Extended Search goes beyond the information available in the record and the use of the Internet. Often this<br />
includes extensive research of demographic, historical, archival, and genealogical records, both public and<br />
private. Once a possible address is located, an outreach letter is sent to your birth relative.<br />
<strong>The</strong> time it takes to search for a birth relative can vary from a few weeks to more than a year. Although we are<br />
usually able to locate the person we are seeking, we cannot guarantee that a Search will be successful. <strong>The</strong><br />
majority of adopted people and birth parents we locate are open to contact; some are not. If you request a<br />
Search, be prepared for the possibility that your birth parent or child may choose not to have contact.<br />
Additionally, if we discover your birth relative is deceased, we then look for the closest next of kin. If your birth<br />
relative is open to contact, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cradle</strong> can act as intermediary exchanging letters and photos until both parties<br />
feel comfortable with direct contact. <strong>The</strong> Search fee, regardless of the outcome, is non-refundable.<br />
Counseling/consultation as needed is included in the Search fee to help with thoughts, feelings, and emotions that<br />
may result from this process.<br />
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