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Illinois Adoption News: Nearly 19,300 Children Adopted in 10 Years
Chicago, IL – Illinois is recognizing thousands of families who have opened their homes to children through adoption as the state prepares for Adoption Awareness Month in November, while 3,399 childre
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-30T20:08:49.772Z
Chicago, IL – Illinois is recognizing thousands of families who have opened their homes to children through adoption as the state prepares for Adoption Awareness Month in November, while 3,399 children and youth in state care currently have adoption as their permanency goal.
According to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services DCFS , 2,328 children in state care were adopted during the last fiscal year, joining families committed to providing permanent homes.
Over the past decade, nearly 19,300 children and youth in Illinois have found permanent families through adoption.
Adoption Celebrations Planned Across Illinois
Gov. JB Pritzker has proclaimed November Adoption Awareness Month, recognizing adoptive families and encouraging residents to learn about opportunities to support children in foster care.
Special court celebrations will take place in several counties, including Rock Island County on Thursday, November 5.
Cook, Kane and Williamson counties will hold adoption events Friday, November 20, followed by Winnebago County on Saturday, November 21.
Madison County will host an additional celebration Friday, December 18.
These events will include the finalization of adoptions, marking an important milestone for participating families.
Thousands of Children Have Adoption as Their Goal
DCFS reports that 3,399 children and youth currently in care have a permanency goal of adoption.
The agency provides support for qualifying adoptive families, including monthly subsidies, medical coverage and reimbursement for certain legal fees and court expenses.
Many prospective adoptive parents begin by becoming licensed foster parents, allowing them to better understand the needs of children in care.
DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller emphasized the importance of providing children with safe, stable and supportive family environments.
Illinois residents interested in adoption can visit the DCFS website and select the "Loving Homes" section for information about becoming foster or adoptive parents.
Additional information about children waiting for adoptive families is available through the Heart Gallery of Illinois.