The Cradle

Since opening in 1923, The Cradle has helped place more than 16,000 children into forever families. Learn more at Cradle.org or call 847-475-5800. Want to speak with a Cradle counselor about an unplanned pregnancy? Call 800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534).Our holistic approach to lifelong support is unlike any other adoption and child welfare agency in the nation. Our team of social workers, counselors, and outreach staff offer trustworthy, ethical, and lifelong support to tens of thousands of people touched by adoption, including birth parents, adopted persons, and adoptive parents. Services include options counseling for women facing unplanned pregnancies, pre and post adoption education for parents, an adoption-competent clinical therapy program, outreach and education, and placement services. The Cradle is the only adoption agency in the country with an on-site nursery. It is a safe, neutral place for infants to stay while their parents take the time they need to decide if adoption will be the plan for this child. The nursery also enables The Cradle to place infants whose special medical needs may mean that it takes a bit longer to find them a home that is prepared to help them thrive. We also offer training for prospective adoptive parents and adoption professionals through Adoption Learning Partners (ALP).