The Importance of Permanency within Foster Care in Illinois: Embracing Adoption as a Lifeline

Permanency is the cornerstone of a successful foster care system—it provides children with the stability, love, and long-term security they need to thrive. In Illinois, achieving permanency through adoption is recognized as a critical step toward breaking the cycle of instability that many foster youth face. With evidence showing that children who secure permanent adoptive homes experience better emotional, educational, and physical outcomes, adoption is not just a legal process; it is a transformative opportunity that reshapes lives.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), a significant number of children in foster care are ultimately placed in adoptive homes, leading to lasting improvements in their overall well-being. For example, DCFS reported that in fiscal year 2021, over 2,300 children in foster care achieved permanency through adoption, which represented a promising trend toward reducing long-term foster care dependency. (cite_dcfs_2021) These statistics underscore the potential for positive outcomes when foster youth are provided with loving and secure environments, provided they are not able to return to their family of origin.

Furthermore, research has demonstrated that children who experience permanency are more likely to excel academically, have improved mental health, and establish stronger, healthier relationships as adults. The stability provided by adoption offers a critical counterbalance to the disruptions often experienced spending longer terms in the foster care system. This transformative effect not only benefits the individual child but also strengthens communities and contributes to a more resilient society. According to Dr. Margaret Powell, a well-respected Illinois child welfare expert, “Permanency is not merely the end of a foster care journey; it is the beginning of a new life—a life anchored by the stability, love, and continuity that only a permanent family can provide.” (cite_ChicagoTribune2023)

Advocates and policymakers in Illinois continue to push for enhanced support systems and increased funding to ensure that adoption remains a viable and attractive permanency option for children in foster care. By prioritizing permanency, the state is not only investing in the futures of its most vulnerable citizens but also fostering a community where every child has the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing and stable environment. (cite_NFCA_2020.)

Timely placement into adoptive homes is a key factor in achieving permanency for children in foster care who are not able to return to their family of origin. The duration a child spends waiting for an adoption placement significantly influences their emotional and developmental well-being. Research indicates that prolonged stays in temporary foster care settings can exacerbate the trauma associated with instability, whereas quicker transitions to permanent homes foster better long-term outcomes in areas such as academic performance, mental health, and social relationships. (cite_dcfs_2021.)

In conclusion, the adoption of foster youth in Illinois represents much more than a transfer of guardianship—it signifies hope, stability, and a commitment to the lifelong well-being of every child. As we continue to advocate for robust permanency solutions, the positive impact of these adoptions will echo across generations, creating a legacy of care and resilience for these children, and beyond.

Dr. Susan A. McConnell
Executive DIrector, Let It Be Us
susanmcconnell@letitbeus.org

Dr. Susan A. McConnell, DSW, MBA

Dr. Susan A. McConnell is the Founder and Executive Director of Let It Be Us, an Illinois licensed child welfare agency with the mission of providing collaborative, innovative solutions of effective recruitment and placement within Illinois foster care and adoption. Susan has an MBA from DePaul University and a Doctorate Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, where her work focused on permanency within child welfare.  She is the Chair of the Permanency Committee of the Illinois Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council, appointed by the Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in 2017. She is also an adoptive parent with over 30 years of open adoption experience. She can be reached at susanmcconnell@letitbeus.org.

Sources and References: 

cite_dcfs_2021 Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, 2021 Annual Report.
cite_NFCA_2020 National Foster Care Adoption Statistics, 2020 Report.
The Chicago Tribune, 2023 cite_ChicagoTribune2023.