The Cradle

Another organization that has been helping mothers, expectant mothers, and still continues to orchestrate adoptions since opening in 1923 is the Cradle. They are located in Evanston, IL and have a wealth of information regarding laws associated with adoptions as well as accessing records. Below is language from their site that may be relevant, but you can also visit their website for more information.

Are adoption records open in IL?

No. Illinois adoption records are not open; however some people may be eligible to obtain a non-certified copy of the Original IL Birth certificate. Click OBC or call 877-323-5299 to learn more.

• Agencies that facilitate placements for the purpose of adoption have records. Those records are confidential and are not open.

• Adoptions laws vary from state to state. Learn about Illinois’ adoption laws in the Illinois Adoption Act and the Child Care Act.

How can I make contact with birth relatives?

Become a part of an Adoption Registry

• The Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange

• International Soundex Reunion Registry

• Adoption Reunion Registry

• Searching on your own

  • Some people use information found on the Original Birth Certificate to search and reach out on their own.

  • Some people make connections through DNA testing. More information may be obtained at AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritageDNA, and GEDmatch.

Chicago Foundlings Home is in the process of digitizing and archiving records. In the meantime, you can use the resources suggested above.   We appreciate your patience in this process.

You are welcome to email us on our contact page and we will send you a note when our information page is updated and we will share additional resources for you to find the relevant records.

Thank you for your interest in Chicago Foundlings Home.