Time to Placement in Adoption from Foster Care: A Critical Component of Permanency in Illinois

Achieving permanency for children in foster care is a cornerstone of ensuring their emotional, educational, and social well-being. In Illinois, one of the most significant factors influencing successful permanency is the time it takes to secure an adoptive placement (with respect to children who are not able to return to their family of origin.)  The longer a child remains in temporary care, the greater the risk of experiencing prolonged uncertainty and the negative effects that come with instability. Timely placement is not only about reducing the duration of uncertainty; it’s about opening the door to a stable and nurturing family environment during critical stages of development.

Recent data from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) highlights the importance of reducing time to placement. For instance, the 2021 Annual Report noted that children who were placed in adoptive homes within a shorter time frame exhibited markedly improved academic performance and mental health outcomes compared to those who waited longer. (cite_dcfs_2021)  This data underscores the direct correlation between prompt permanency and the overall resilience of foster youth. The statistics suggest that reducing the average time to adoption placement can lead to significant benefits, not only for the children but also for the broader community.

Expediting the adoption process has several key advantages. First, it minimizes the emotional toll associated with extended periods of uncertainty. Children who experience fewer disruptions in their lives are better able to form strong, secure attachments with their adoptive families. Second, quicker placements allow for earlier intervention and support, ensuring that any lingering original trauma or trauma from previous placements can be addressed more effectively. Finally, a streamlined process helps reduce administrative burdens on caseworkers and courts, ultimately contributing to a more efficient child welfare system that prioritizes the best interests of the child.

Efforts to improve time to placement in Illinois have been multifaceted. Policy initiatives aimed at increasing support for prospective adoptive parents, coupled with improved case management practices and the adoption of innovative technologies, have all contributed to reducing delays. Advocates continue to push for further reforms, emphasizing that every day a child spends in temporary care is a day lost in building a secure and nurturing family life. As Illinois refines its processes and invests in these critical areas, the ultimate goal remains clear: to provide every child in foster care with the stable, permanent home they need and deserve.

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.