The Illinois Adoption Registry

The Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (IARMIE) program facilitates the transmission of information between members of adoptive and birth families. At some point throughout one's life, parents or children may want to initiate contact or obtain medical history. In fact, knowing a biological parent's medical history can help develop a clearer picture of future potential health issues. The Department of Public Health establishes the regulations in order to operate the Registry confidentially.

Under Illinois law, an Adoption/Surrender Records File is created when a person voluntarily registers with the Registry through the completion of an Illinois Adoption Registry Application or a Registration Identification Form. A Records File contains, if available, the following information:

1. Certain sections of an adoption application or registration form;
2. Pictures offered by a registrant;
3. Any Information Exchange Authorization, Denial of Information Exchange, or Birth Parent Preference Form/Packet;
4. Duplicates of the certificate of birth and certificate of adoption;
5. A new address provided by a registrant;
6. Proof of death;
7. Any birth certificate;
8. Any marriage certificate;
9. Proof of guardianship; and
10. A request for a non-certified duplicate of a birth certificate.

Many people may register with IARMIE, including:

• An adopted person 21 years of age or older;
• A surrendered person 21 years of age or older;
• An adoptive parent, if the adopted person is under 21 years of age;
• A surviving relative of an adopted person who has passed away;
• A surviving relative of deceased birth parent; or
• A legal guardian.

Birth parents can choose between five different options regarding contact and the sharing of identifying information listed on the birth certificate by filling out the Birth Parent Preference Packet. These options include the following:

1. The release of identifying information and open to direct contact with a child and/or certain relatives of an adopted child;
2. The release of identifying information and open to contact through a person offered by a birth parent;
3. The release of a name and open to contact through an Illinois confidential intermediary or through the agency that managed the adoption;
4. The release of a name, but not open to contact; or
5. Not releasing any information and not open to contact.

Illinois Adoption Attorneys

If you have questions or would like more information related to adoption, please contact the knowledgeable and compassionate Illinois adoption attorneys at MKFM Law. We have experience in helping families with the adoption process and are ready to serve you. Call 630-665-7300 today.