DCFS provides informational resources for Illinois adults considering adopting a child, as well as those seeking to be appointed a child's legal guardian. Adoption creates a permanent legal relationship between an adoptive parent and a child, giving the adoptive parent the same legal rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. A child cannot be adopted unless the child's birth parents have voluntarily given up their parental rights or had their parental rights terminated by a court. Guardianship is an option when neither adoption nor returning to a parent's care is appropriate for the child. Guardians are often relatives who have been living with and caring for a child for at least six consecutive months. A guardian may be appointed even if the child's birth parents still have parental rights. Guardianship lasts until the child turns 18.