chicago (WLS) — According to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, as of April 30, there were over 7,200 children in foster care throughout the state.
What’s next for them?
Dr. Susan McConnell founded Let It Be Us to be the bridge between families who want to adopt and children waiting for adoption through foster care.
Dr. Susan McConnell founded Let It Be Us to be the bridge between families who want to adopt and children.
She and her husband have three adopted children.
“McConnell mentioned, “We have been operating for eleven years with the goal of offering solutions for foster care and adoption. Currently, we have a statewide contract with DCFS to provide adoptive resources for waiting children.”
Patrick Macellaio is a Let it Be Us board member. He was adopted at birth.
“I was raised always knowing I was adopted. My brother and I are sixteen days apart. We were adopted from different families,” Macellaio said.
Patrick Macellaio is a Let it Be Us board member. He was also adopted.
He explained that he had a great experience and was “afforded a beautiful life; a wonderful education.”
McConnell said it’s “extremely rewarding” to be a foster or adoptive parent.
“Emphasizing the importance of proper placement, McConnell explained, “Instead of simply moving a child to the next available home, we strive to find the most suitable home for each child. We collaborate with caseworkers across the state, whether they are affiliated with a private agency or DCFS. Our technology is accessible to them via our customer service, ensuring that every child has access to a pool of waiting families for the best possible match.”
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