Family Services - Questions and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make a payment?  You can make a payment online.

• How do I get legal assistance? Visit a help desk in the courthouse.

• How do I obtain criminal background checks for adoptions?
  • Contact the DAFSS to coordinate fingerprinting
  • Complete the fingerprint request form
  • Contact the DAFSS when you have been fingerprinted in order to ensure the background check results are submitted to the appropriate parties
  • Results will be retrieved by the DAFSS and submitted to the relevant party

• How do I begin a search for my birth parents and/or other relatives?
  • Contact the state to request a non-certified copy of the original birth certificate 
  • Contact the state to register with the Illinois Adoption Registry
  • Contact the Confidential Intermediaries of Illinois for search assistance 
  • Contact the DAFSS to inquire as to whether we have a record of conducting the social investigation for the adoption

Additional Resources

• Cook County Court: Domestic Relations Division (dissolution of marriage, parentage, child support)

• Cook County Court: Probate Division (minor guardianship)

• Cook County Court: County Division (adoption)