SB2559 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Adoption Act to modify definitions and procedures, including expanded definitions of "related child" to include civil union relationships and clarifications on parental rights termination.

• Requires biological mothers to complete an affidavit identifying the biological father or stating inability/unwillingness to do so, with expanded information gathering about legal parentage and court orders.

• Modifies adoption judgment timelines: related child adoptions can proceed immediately after service of process; adult adoptions after consent; agency-placed children after placement and investigation completion.

• Grants courts discretion to waive appointment of a guardian ad litem in related adoptions where the child is not a "youth in care," and adds a new definition of "youth in care" tied to the Children and Family Services Act.

• Updates residence requirements for adoptive parents to allow exemptions for certain placements by Illinois-licensed child welfare agencies performing adoption services when specific consent and counseling requirements are met.