Chicago (WLS) — According to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, as of April 30, over 7,200 children are 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.

She and her husband have three adopted children.

“We’re now in our eleventh year of operations, having started to address issues in foster care and adoption. Currently, we collaborate directly with DCFS under a statewide contract to offer adoptive resources for children in need,” stated McConnell.

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.

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.

“The placement process is vital. Instead of assigning a child to the next available home, we aim to find the most suitable home. We collaborate with caseworkers across the state, whether affiliated with private agencies or DCFS. By providing access to our technology and customer service, we ensure that every child can connect to all potential families, ensuring the best possible placement,” he explained.

For more information:

Let It Be Us Home Page