SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would help clarify and streamline the adoption process in Illinois was approved by the State Senate Thursday.
“The adoption process is complicated. Let’s make things easier for the children and families involved,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), the bill’s chief sponsor. “This legislation will help streamline the system and place children in loving homes as quickly as possible.”
Under current law, a person must live in Illinois for at least six months in order to be eligible to adopt a child. That requirement, however, may be waived in certain circumstances.
Senate Bill 2559 would expand the waiver to include all adoptions that occur through Illinois-licensed child welfare agencies. The legislation further makes technical changes to clarify the roles of courts and state agencies in the adoption process.
The Illinois Senate approved the legislation by a vote of 50-0. It will now go before the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.
