Consider Adoption
Since 1979, Sunny Ridge has placed over 3,000 children in the arms of loving parents through our adoption programs. Sunny Ridge remains committed to the African American community by finding loving homes for African American and Biracial infants, as well as providing African American families with the opportunity to adopt. Sunny Ridge is actively recruiting families for this program and about 35 percent of the infants placed through our Domestic program have been African American or Biracial. Almost all of the African American children we place for adoption are infants - usually only a few days old. Our Christian agency stands dedicated to providing compassionate and professional services to adoptive parents and birth parents.

This program is open to residents of Illinois and Indiana.

Adoption Today
Adoption is a loving, beautiful choice. Too often however, society sees an inaccurate picture of adoption, often portrayed through the media. Often families believe adoption is filled with emotional heartache, or unaffordable to them. Families can lose sight of the joy and miracle taking place through adoption.

How Adoption Happens
Our counselors work with birth parents who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy and are considering an adoption plan. Women come to us from Illinois and Indiana for counseling and to look at their options. Women then make decisions that are best for their baby and themselves. While some women decide to parent, others choose an adoption plan for their child.

Support For Your Adoption
Sunny Ridge brings a wealth of experience to your adoption. Our professional staff will guide you with the loving support you need as you prepare for one of the most special moments in your life. Realizing that every family is unique, our staff will assist you with any special concerns, obstacles or questions you may have as you prepare. From your very first meeting to the day you bring your child home, our staff is there to listen to your needs and respond accordingly. Through adoption preparation classes, you will better understand your unique role in parenting an adopted child. Our commitment to you does not end with the finalization of your adoption. As your child grows, Sunny Ridge also offers many social and educational opportunities for your family, as well as post-placement services.

Waiting Lists
Sunny Ridge does not keep a waiting list as other agencies do. Sunny Ridge matches the wishes of birth parents with those of adoptive parents. Your preferences, as well as those of the birth parents, will affect your waiting period. Birth parents often consider traits such as lifestyles, religious faith, family values, hobbies, and leisure activities, when choosing adoptive parents. Many birth parents today look for adoptive parents who will consider an open adoption.

What Is An "Open" Adoption?
Many years ago Sunny Ridge pioneered what is now considered a very common practice of open adoption. In an open adoption, you may meet your child's birth parents before the child is born, and in some cases, maintain ongoing contact with each other. The degree of openness varies, but open adoption allows birth parents to jointly form an adoption plan with adoptive parents that works for everyone involved, and is focused on the best interests of the child. Birth parents receive counseling and support, and may select the adoptive parents by reviewing the profiles of several potential families who have been prepared to adopt through Sunny Ridge. While we value openness at Sunny Ridge, we provide education and guidance for adoptive parents and birth parents that allows you to make personal, educated decisions.

Other Adoption Services
Sunny Ridge also offers an International Adoption program for families who wish to adopt a child from another country. Our very successful International Adoption program has helped place children from 46 different countries. Sunny Ridge can also assist you as a prospective adoptive parent who has located a child either in Illinois, Indiana, or in another state. We can provide your licensing and home study services necessary to fulfill state requirements, as well as facilitate communication between agencies, attorneys and others. Ask us about these services.

For families who are not African American but are considering a child who is, Sunny Ridge requires that you attend a series of educational and supportive seminars to assist you in considering the special issues of interracial families. Attendance at these seminars should be done prior to the beginning of the home study process. Each seminar covers topics on parenting an African American child, and gives you the opportunity to dialogue with a panel of individuals who were adopted transracially. 

Spread The Word
Sunny Ridge is available to speak at your church, community group, or service organization. Contact us about a special presentation in your area!

Fees
Certainly a major consideration for families is the cost associated with adoption. However, families who have adopted through Sunny Ridge will tell you not to let costs deter you from your dream of parenting through adoption. Adoption fees for this program are $10,950, and include up to $2,000 for medical expenses. Medical expenses will vary depending on whether or not the birth mother has medical insurance and in which hospital the child is born. Sunny Ridge can provide you with the information, encouragement, and resources you need to make it happen.

How To Get Started
Your first step toward adoption through Sunny Ridge is to attend one of our free Adoption Information Meetings. Here you will learn more about our adoption programs and the options available to you. These Meetings take place each month at Sunny Ridge. Meetings are also held in Munster, Indiana, as well as in communities throughout the area. To learn more call (630) 754-4538.