Dear Sunny Ridge Adoptee,
You, like many other adopted persons, have contacted Sunny Ridge Family Center with questions about your birth family or would like to make contact with a birth family member. Here is some information that we think will be helpful to guide you through your questions:
While it is probable that your birth parent would make contact with Sunny Ridge Family Center if seeking information about you, Illinois law requires that you register with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange before an agency can release identifying information. You may contact the registry at www.idph.state.il.us If you are under 21, your parent will need to contact the registry on your behalf. Sunny Ridge Family Center will require that you complete the Illinois Adoption Registry Affidavit before we can proceed with the exchange of identifying information. If you are not requesting identifying information (names or addresses), then please feel free to contact us with your requests as noted below.
Many people assume that when an adopted person turns 18 they will have access to all of the information available, or on record with their adoption agency. Illinois and Indiana law both require that you be 21 to request information and then only allows for identifying information to be exchanged by mutual consent (your birth parent would have to sign a release of information). In order to request information at Sunny Ridge Family Center we request that you provide identification and complete the following forms:
Illinois Adoption Registry Affidavit  (If you are asking Sunny Ridge to exchange identifying information). This form lets us know that you have complied with the state law by registering with the registry.
Adoptive Parent Authorization (if you are under 21) This form gives permission for Sunny Ridge Family Center to contact birth family and/or release information to you or Release of Information (if you are 21 or older) This form gives Sunny Ridge Family Center permission to contact your birth family and exchange the information that you want exchanged.
Fee Schedule/ Request for Service This is the form that you request service on and use to accompany any fees.
Everyone using the services of Sunny Ridge Family Center must acknowledge receipt of these two forms:
- Clients Rights and Responsibilities
- Consumer/Client Complaint Policy and Procedure
Various services are available through our Post Adoption Contact and Counseling Services.
We want you to feel supported and satisfied in your experience with us. We know that forms and procedures can be frustrating when you are anxious to accomplish a goal. We understand that you may have to wait for others to respond. We will endeavor to communicate with you in each step of the process and respect each member of the adoption community. We hope that you will share any concerns you have with your social worker that will be assigned to you when you make a request for service.
You and your social worker will discuss what kind of information you need and the type of communication or contact you hope to have. Your social worker will explain your requests to your birth parent when they are located and attempt to work out a plan that is comfortable for both you and your birth family.
How do I take the first step?
Your First Step: Contact Becky MacDougall, Director of the Domestic Adoptions by phone at (630) 754-4522, by mail at the address below, or by e-mail, or fax (630) 754-4523. Request to speak to a Post Adoption worker or request the necessary forms. You may also download the forms here, using the links above.
Sunny Ridge Family Center
270 Remington Boulevard, Suite C
Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440
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