Hello there,
I know it's been a couple of years since you posted this thread, but I came across it today while searching for more info on my father-in-law.

My father-in-law was adopted in 1940. He was only 6 yrs. old then and in his adoption papers it states that he was in custody of the Illinois Children's Home and Aid Society. It also states that he was living with his adopted parents for 6 months after the adoption petition was filed. They could have been foster parents before becoming his adopted parents.

Hope this helps,
Jackie