About the Services
Adoption cases are heard in the Lake County Juvenile Court. Juvenile Probation/Detention Services is responsible for administratively processing all adoption cases filed in Lake County, including assignment of Guardian Ad Litems, notification to investigative agencies, and all related recordkeeping.

In private adoption cases where no other agency is involved, Probation Officers conduct adoption investigations as required by statute. These investigations include background information on the adoptive petitioners through home visits, record checks, and contacts with employers, physicians, and other references. Probation Officers then prepare investigative reports to the Court regarding the suitability of the petitioners to adopt.