The homestudy process includes participation in the 12-hour Adoption Training. At some point prior to finalization, each adoptive family is required to attend this group training. Once parental rights are terminated, the minor's attorney refers the child's case to either Public Counsel or the Alliance of Children's Rights. These groups are made up of attorneys who represent the adoptive families, free of charge, at the finalization hearing. Families should be prepared to receive documents stating that they are retaining the attorney's services.
Families also have the option of retaining an attorney of their choice.
We recommend that if you choose to take this route that steps are made to ensure that this attorney is specialized in adoption law. John Cahill, Esq. comes highly recommended by many of our adoptive families. Inner Circle will be glad to provide his phone number for you. DCFS will attempt to sign adoptive placement papers within 30 days of the termination hearing. However, in Inner Circle's experience, most cases take much longer.