Adoptive Family Recruitment | ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES - Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent

Provides a temporary safe haven for children who are at serious risk of harm. Offers information on the adoption or guardianship process. Also provides information on unlicensed relative foster care for relative caregivers.

Date of Last Formal Update

07/09/2025

Data provided by

Lake County 211

Physical Address

2133 Belvidere Road, Waukegan, IL 60085

Hours

Service Hours Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Voice

847-249-7800

Primary Program Phone

Application process

Visit website to apply at https://dcfs.illinois.gov/get-involved/become-a-foster-or-adoptive-parent.html

Fee

No fee

Eligibility

Must be at least 21 years old and can be married, in a civil union, single, divorced or separated. Prospective foster families are required to: - Participate in a home inspection and social assessment. - Complete 27 hours of training focused on foster care and the needs of children who are in foster care. - Complete a criminal background check of all household members. - Be financially stable. - Complete a health screening that includes verification that immunizations are up to date.

Languages

Spanish

Service area

Lake County, IL

Agency info

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Child welfare agency. Offers various child and family protection programs and hotlines