A "Putative Father Registry" has been set up by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to give an unwed father the opportunity to officially declare his paternity so he can be consulted by court authorities before his child is adopted.
The new registry stems from legislation approved this year to prevent further "Baby Richard" cases by giving a man claiming to be a child's father the chance to adopt the child in the event the mother decides to place the child for adoption.
Information can be obtained by calling 1-800-420-2547 or by writing the DCFS Putative Father Registry, 6th Floor, 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, Ill., 60601. There is no cost for registering.