Illinois law (750 ILCS 50/ 18.3) now provides a way for adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents and other birth relatives to connect.  A Confidential Intermediary (CI), trained and certified to provide this service, is appointed by the Court to locate a sought after relative.  When the relative is located, the CI explains the reason for the contact, describes the options available and helps facilitate a mutually agreeable outcome.  Each person’s privacy and confidentiality is protected during the process.

As of January 1, 2004, the following individuals may petition the Court for appointment of an Intermediary to locate a birth relative.  The petition may be filed for any reason.  There is no need to prove that medical information is needed or to state any reason at all for requesting the search.
a.       adopted person who is 21 years or older
b.       adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted person under the age of 21
c.       birth parent of an adopted person who is 21 years or older

In addition, other birth relatives may file a petition for the appointment of an Intermediary but must explain to the Court the reason for requesting the search for a birth relative who is 21 years or older.  The judge will determine if granting the petition “is of greater benefit”.
a.       adult child of a deceased adopted or surrendered person
b.       adult birth sibling of the adopted person, if the birth parent is deceased
c.       adult birth sibling of the deceased birth parent

To learn about the procedures for utilizing CI Services, visit the Confidential Intermediary Services of Illinois website at http://www.ci-illinois.org.