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What information can be exchanged?

• the identity and last known address of other birth and adoptive family members who have registered with the IARMIE
• medical background information filed with the registry
• pictures and written statements filed with the registry
• the adoptee’s original birth certificate (providing he or she was born in Illinois)

Who may register?

Registration is open to –

• adopted or surrendered persons 21 years of age or older who were born, adopted or surrendered in Illinois
• birth parents of eligible adopted persons
• birth siblings, 21 years of age or older, of eligible adopted persons (Birth siblings who were not adopted may register only if a birth parent common with the adopted person is deceased.)
• adoptive parents of eligible adopted persons under the age of 21
• legal guardians of adopted or surrendered persons

What is required for the release of information?

Registrants must initially provide sufficient information about their identities and the circumstances surrounding the adoption or surrender to enable registry staff to determine that a “match” exists. For example, if a woman who placed a child for adoption 30 years ago wishes to reveal her identity or to exchange medical information with her surrendered son or daughter, she must file her consent to the release of this information with the registry. The adoptee also must have filed a consent for the release of the same information with the registry. If the birth mother and the adopted person have not both registered and consented to the release of medical and/or identifying information, no data can be released. All registry applications must be accompanied by proof of the registrant’s identity (photocopy of the registrant’s driver’s license or other state-or government-issued ID). Non-adopted birth siblings also are required to provide proof of death for the birth parent they have in common with the adopted person.

How are written statements and photographs submitted?

The Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange application includes two pages for submitting an optional written statement. Written statements filed with the registry may not include identifying information regarding anyone other than the registrant. If the written statement includes identifying information pertaining to someone other than the registrant, it will be removed by registry staff or the statement will be returned to the registrant for compliance with the law.

Photographs can be submitted by enclosing them in an unsealed envelope no larger than 8.5" x 11." Photographs filed with the registry may not identify anyone other than the registrant who submits them. Photographs that do not meet these requirements will be returned to the applicant.

How is the medical information filed?

Medical information is filed with the registry by completing the Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire. The questionnaire includes a list of diseases and conditions that medical professionals believe may be inherited or genetically linked (i.e., illnesses that tend to “run in the family”). Each applicant is asked to indicate on the questionnaire the diseases and conditions with which he/she or other biological relatives have been diagnosed. This information may be of vital interest to other registered birth family members and their physicians. Knowing about the existence of certain inherited conditions and diseases allows the registrant and his/her doctor to be alert for associated symptoms and, if possible, to take preventive action.

Can my medical information be shared anonymously?

In order to receive medical information through the registry, the adopted or surrendered person, birth parent or sibling, adoptive parent or legal guardian must complete the medical questionnaire and agree to exchange this information with other eligible registrants. Persons who wish to exchange medical background information without revealing their identity may do so if they indicate this in their application.

Is there a fee for registering with the Adoption Registry?

Yes. There is a $40 filing fee. However, the fee will be waived if the registrant completes the Medical Information Exchange Questionnaire at the time of the initial application and agrees to the release of the medical questionnaire to at least one other party to the adoption.

The $40 fee is also waived for adoptive parents who register with the IARMIE within 12 months of the finalization of their child’s adoption.

May I update or amend my registration in the future?

Yes. Any registrant (including all those who registered with the Illinois Adoption Registry prior to January 1, 2000) may update or amend information on file free of charge. However, updates and amendments must be accompanied by proof of identification (a photocopy of the registrant’s driver’s license or other state-or government-issued ID).

I A R M I Eregistration forms are available a number of ways. Download the forms from the Department’s Web site. E-mail a request for forms to DPH.Vitals@illinois.gov. Fax a request for forms to 217-557-5279. Call the registry at 217-557-5160, or toll-free, 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 East Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737.