Once parental rights have been terminated, children may be adopted. A foster parent may apply to DCFS to adopt a child. A distinction is made between foster parents who apply through the regular adoption program and foster parents who apply to adopt a particular child.

Foster parents applying through the regular adoption program must meet the same requirements as all other adoption applicants. The FSW will refer any interested foster parent to an Adoption Specialist.

When foster parents are interested in adopting a child in foster care in their home, DCFS will consider the benefits provided by them for that child and other certain conditions. The child's desires will be especially considered. The FSW will speak with the child alone regarding this major decision in his or her life and help the child consider all the facts.

If a foster parent wishes to adopt a child in their home, the foster parent should make the request known by requesting and completing CFS-489: Foster Parent Request for Consideration to Adopt if the foster parent meets the basic qualifications outlined on the form. Discuss the desire to adopt with the FSW to determine eligibility.