I l l i n o i s A d o p t i o n R e g i s t r y a n dM e d i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n E x c h a n g e

For more information, contactIllinois Department of Public Health

Illinois Adoption Registry and MedicalInformation Exchange

925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737217-557-5159 • TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466

I l l i n o is D e p a r t m e n t o f Pu b l i c H e al t h

Yes, persons who wish to exchange medicalinformation without revealing their identity maydo so by indicating it on their application. Inorder to receive medical informationthrough the registry, the adopted orsurrendered person, birth parent orsibling, adoptive parent or legalguardian must complete the medicalquestionnaire and agree to exchangethis information with other eligibleregistrants.

Is therea fee for registering withthe Adoption Registry?

Can mymedical information be sharedanonymously?

Yes. There is a $15 filing fee. However, the feewill be waived if the registrant completes theMedical Information Exchange Questionnaire atthe time of the initial application and agrees tothe release of the medical questionnaire toat least one other party to the adoption.

The $15 fee also is waived for adoptive parentswho register with the IARMIE within 12 monthsof the finalization of their child’s adoption.

May Iupdate or amend my registrationin the future?

I A R M I Eregistration forms are available a number of ways.

• Download the forms from the Department’s website: <www.dph.illinois.gov>.

• E-mail a request for forms to <dph.vitals@illinois.gov>.• Call the registry at 877-323-5299,

TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466.• Mail a request for forms to the Illinois Department of

Public Health, Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange, Division of Vital Records,925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737.

Yes. Any registrant (including those whoregistered with the Illinois Adoption Registryprior to January 1, 2000) may update or amendinformation on file free of charge. However, updatesand amendments must be accompanied by proofof identification (a photocopy of the registrant’sdriver’s license or other state-orgovernment-issued ID).

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Where canI find additional resources?

To protect the rights and well-being of children, birthparents and adoptive families, the Department ofChildren and Family Services (DCFS) ensures thatall Illinois agencies providing adoption services arelicensed. For more information about adoptions inIllinois and for a list of licensed adoption agenciesin Illinois, visitwww.illinois.gov/dcfs/lovinghomes/adoption orcall the Adoption Support Line at 888-96-ADOPT(888-962-3678).

What isthe Illinois Adoption Registry andMedical Information Exchange?

Whatinformation can be exchangedor released?

Whomay register?

What isrequired for the releaseof information?

May Isubmit written statementsand photographs?

How isthe medical information filed?

Through changes to the adoption registry law,the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Infor-mation Exchange (IARMIE) allows mutually con-senting adopted and surrendered persons andmembers of their birth and adoptive families tovoluntarily exchange a wealth of information with-out petitioning the courts. Individuals can remainanonymous and still share valuablepersonal and medical information.

The Illinois Adoption Registry andMedical Information Exchangeoffers Illinois adoptees and theirbirth and adoptive familiespost-adoption options.

• the identity and last known address of other birth and adoptive family members who have registered with the IARMIE

• medical background information filed withthe registry

• pictures and written statements filed withthe registry

• the adoptee’s original birth certificate (providing he or she was born in Illinois)

Registration is open to – • Birth parents• Adopted or surrendered persons 21 years of ageor older who were born, adopted or surrenderedin Illinois

• Non-surrendered brothers and sisters over age 21of those who were adopted or surrendered and acommon parent is deceased

• Adoptive parents of eligible adopted personsunder age 21 or any age if the adopted person isdeceased

• Legal guardians of adopted or surrendered persons• Surviving sister, brother or parent of a deceasedbirth parent

• Surviving adult child or grandchild of a deceasedadopted person

• Surviving spouse of a deceased adopted personwith a minor child

Registrants must initially provide sufficientinformation about their identities and the circum-stances surrounding the adoption or surrender toenable registry staff to locate the Illinois Departmentof Public Health's file on the adopted person. Allregistry applications must be accompanied byproof of the registrant’s identity (photocopy of theregistrant’s driver’s license or other state-or government-issued ID). Non-adopted birth siblingsalso are required to provide proof of death for thebirth parent they have in common with theadopted person.

Yes. The Illinois Adoption Registry and MedicalInformation Exchange application includes twopages for submitting an optional written statement.Written statements filed with the registry cannotinclude identifying information regarding anyoneother than the registrant.

Photographs can be submitted by enclosing themin an unsealed envelope no larger than 8.5" x 11."Photographs filed with the registry may not identifyanyone other than the registrant who submits them.Photographs and statements that do not meet theserequirements will be returned to the applicant.

Medical information may be filed with the registryby registrants completing the Medical InformationExchange Questionnaire. The questionnaireincludes a list of diseases and conditions thatmedical professionals believe may be inherited orgenetically linked. Each applicant is asked to indicateon the questionnaire the diseases and conditionswith which he/she or other biological relativeshave been diagnosed. Knowing about the existenceof certain inherited conditions and diseases cangive clues to medical conditions that may run in abirth family.