IL HB5508

Establishes public policy favoring adoption of children by relatives unless clear and convincing evidence shows such adoption would harm the child's welfare.

Allows any relative wishing to adopt a child to intervene in adoption proceedings by presenting a written or oral motion, becoming a party to the case.

Creates a priority hierarchy for relative adoptions: grandparents first, then adult siblings, then aunts or uncles, then cousins, with each level requiring an evidentiary hearing and clear and convincing evidence of harm to deny placement.

Courts must place children with available relatives in the specified order unless the court makes an express finding based on clear and convincing evidence that placement would be harmful to the child's welfare.

Maintains that child welfare remains the prime consideration in all adoption proceedings and that courts should give custody to petitioners of the same religious belief as the child when possible.