Adoption Center of Illinois
Adoption Center for Family Building (ACFB) is a private, nonprofit open adoption agency licensed in Illinois and Indiana. We provide a full range of adoption counseling and placement services to birth parents and adoptive parents. Our experienced counselors are dedicated to helping our clients get the guidance and support they need throughout their adoption journey.
The agency was founded in 1996 by Tobi Ehrenpreis and Maggie Gill Benz. Both licensed social workers and adoptive mothers, Tobi and Maggie combined their administrative and clinical expertise to establish the agency. ACFB was conceived to be a progressive alternative to traditional, faith-based adoption agencies.
While going through the adoption process themselves, both women encountered barriers along the way. They were committed to creating a more transparent and flexible agency to better meet the needs of everyone.
Services and information
- Adoption
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
You must meet minimum requirements to provide foster care for children in Illinois. To become a foster parent, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Attend foster parent orientation
- Pass a background check
- Finish 30 hours of foster parent training
- Complete the Home Study
- Provide at least three references
- Clear a physical exam
- Maintain financial stability
Foster families must be able to provide a safe and comfortable home for a child. You must provide room for the child to have a bed and enough space for personal belongings.
Foster parents do not need to be married or have a partner. However, if married, couples must show a stable marriage of at least one year before they can foster a child in Illinois.
Foster parents need to meet a child's basic care needs, such as providing meals and clothing. Foster families must also support a foster child's education and assist them in developing social skills.
Contact the DCFS or a local licensed child-placing agency to learn more or begin the fostering approval process.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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Oct 26, 2020
Can i bring candy to drop off for the kids, for Halloween?
Jul 31, 2020
We adopted our two children from them. The reason we chose them was because they were honest and transparent with the adoption process. We loved our experience with them and love the people we have worked with there.
Dec 19, 2019
Such a wonderful place and people
Oct 05, 2018
We had an excellent experience adopting through ACI. They have been transparent, helpful, and supportive through every step of the process, and we've already recommended them to many friends who are also considering adoption. Our birth parent also had a positive experience with them--did not feel coerced, judged or pressured. Highly recommend this agency. Thank you, ACI!
Sep 20, 2018
Went to an information session. Promising so far.