Adult Adopted Person Forms - The Cradle

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