State of Illinois

10/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2026 08:05

Illinois DCFS Honors Adoptive Families During Adoption Awareness Month

More than 2,300 children found permanent families through adoption last year

CHICAGO -
Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed November Adoption Awareness Month , joining the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in celebrating adoptive families across the state and raising awareness about children and youth waiting for permanent, loving homes.

During the last fiscal year, 2,328 children in DCFS care were adopted, joining families who made a lifelong commitment to providing love, stability and belonging. Over the past decade, nearly 19,300 children and youth in Illinois have found permanent families through adoption.

"Across Illinois, thousands of families have grown through adoption, creating lifelong connections and brighter futures for children," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This Adoption Awareness Month, we celebrate those families and encourage Illinoisians to consider the difference they can make in a child's life."

"Every child - no matter where they came from - longs and deserves to grow up in a family where they are safe, loved and supported," said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. Adoptive families play a special role in making this hope a reality for children in our communities. This month, DCFS is honored to recognize those families who open their hearts and homes to children and youth who need them, along with the committed professionals who strive every day to connect the youth in our care to homes where they can grow and thrive."

Courtrooms across the state will be opening their doors to finalize adoptions during special Adoption Day celebrations in Rock Island County on November 5; Cook, Kane and Williamson counties on November 20; Winnebago County on November 21; and Madison County on December 18.


Currently, 3,399 youth in care have a permanency goal of adoption. To learn more about some of the children waiting for adoptive families, visit the Heart Gallery of Illinois .

Adoption is a lifelong commitment to a child, and DCFS offers a range of supports for adoptive families, including reimbursement for legal fees and court costs, a monthly subsidy, a medical card and other benefits. Many families begin their journey by becoming licensed foster parents to better understand the needs of youth in care before making the decision to adopt.


For information about becoming an adoptive parent, visit dcfs.illinois.gov and click "Loving Homes," then select "Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent."
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) - Our vision is for every child and youth in Illinois to grow and thrive in a loving family. To achieve this goal, DCFS promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and providing family-centered care and connection to resources to strengthen families and keep children safely at home. Our values - family focused, integrity, respect, empathy and equity - are at the forefront of every decision we make to ensure children are safe and families have the resources they need to succeed. To make an anonymous report of suspected child abuse or neglect, visit childabuse.illinois.gov.
State of Illinois published this content on October 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 30, 2026 at 14:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]