International Adoption

Adopting a child internationally

Welcome to the International Adoption Program at Sunny Ridge Family Center. Sunny Ridge is a Hague-accredited leader among Illinois adoption agencies. Since 1979, Sunny Ridge has placed over 3,000 children from 46 countries. Our international adoption staff is committed to finding loving homes for children in need from around the world.

While adoption is rewarding for both children and families, international adoption does have its challenges. Families are faced with an ever changing adoption environment. Eligibility requirements and adoption procedures change frequently making it a challenging adoption path at times. With the help of our international adoption staff, we can guide you through the steps and help you navigate the multiple entities involved in an international adoption.

There are several ways in which Sunny Ridge can assist you during your adoption process:

China Waiting Child Adoption Program
In the International adoption program, we are seeing an increase in the number of “waiting children”, or children with known medical needs who are waiting for adoption. Their medical needs range from minor and correctable to more severe or life-long conditions. Some children are waiting simply due to their age. These wonderful children are in need of loving and supportive families who are willing to provide the medical, physical, and emotional care they need.

Sunny Ridge can help these amazing children find families through our China Waiting Child Adoption Program.

New Opportunity for Single Women to Adopt from China
Beginning in March 2011, single women are eligible to adopt from China's Waiting Child Program. See our China Waiting Child Adoption Program and eligibility requirements.

Home Study/Post-Placement Services
For families in need of a home study or post-placement services, Sunny Ridge can help. While families can use an agency located across the country as their placing agency, a home study must be completed in their state of residence. This home study must be completed by a licensed, insured adoption provider. Sunny Ridge is a licensed and insured, Hague-accredited adoption agency and can provide this service for families. Our agency can also provide the necessary post-placement services once the child has been placed. See more information on our Home Study and Post Placement Services.

Suspension of Applications
Due to the changing environment of international adoption, Sunny Ridge has suspended any new applications for our traditional China adoption program. Sunny Ridge continues to assess the international adoption climate, hopeful that in the future, we can lift this suspension and welcome new applications again. We can still assist families in our China Waiting Child Adoption Program.