When an expectant mother considers adoption in Alaska, she may be imagining a final “goodbye” at the end of the process. In fact, this may be what you are picturing right now. But there’s good news: goodbye doesn’t have to be forever.

This is thanks to open adoption in Alaska.  It may come as a surprise to many, but open adoption in Alaska is the norm in domestic infant adoptions today. This may seem confusing at first, but it’s actually a great development in adoption that is positive for birth mothers, adoptive families and children.

If this comes as news to you, you probably have a lot of questions.

What is open adoption in Alaska? What is the open adoption definition? What are the important open adoption facts in Alaska? What does open adoption in Alaska mean?

These are all good questions to ask, and we’re going to give you some answers. To get the guidance you need today, contact an adoption specialist now. It may not be what you had envisioned when you first pictured adoption in Alaska, but an open adoption could be a great opportunity for you.

What Is Open Adoption in Alaska?

Until recently, open adoption in Alaska was uncommon. This is because the adoption process used to be associated with shame and secrecy for expectant mothers. A mother choosing adoption would have very little control over the process and was unlikely to maintain any connection with her baby.

Today, things are different. Thanks to a better understanding of adoption, prospective birth mothers are given the respect they deserve. An expectant mother choosing adoption is in charge of the process and can choose to have a relationship with both the adoptive family and her baby through open adoption in Alaska.

When we define open adoption, there are two options to consider.

• Open Adoption: In an open adoption in Alaska, the prospective birth mother and the adoptive family will share information and connect before placement occurs. You can get to know the family through calls, texts or even in-person visits. Communication will continue post-placement through an agreed-upon communication plan, which can range from photo updates to an in-person, ongoing relationship.

• Semi-open Adoption: Semi-open adoption in Alaska is the most common type of open adoption. The primary difference between open adoption and semi-open adoption is that semi-open adoption typically involves a mediator. This could be your adoption specialist or a different professional. In semi-open adoption, there can still be communication pre-placement and post-placement, but identifying information (like last names and personal addresses) may not be shared.

Alternatively, there is still a possibility that you could choose a closed adoption. While closed adoption in Alaska is the least common type of domestic infant adoption, we respect that it could be the best choice for you. In a closed adoption, there is very little or no communication pre-placement or post-placement, and “goodbye” will be final when your baby is placed for adoption.

Alaska Open Adoption Facts

Open adoption in Alaska and around the country has become more prominent due to research and a better understanding of adoption. These Alaska open adoption facts are some of the reasons why an open adoption is possible for you today.

• More than 90 percent of domestic infant adoptions are at least semi-open. When you choose open adoption in Alaska, you’re not alone. Your adoption professional and the hopeful adoptive family are prepared for this, and they are excited about it.

• Open adoption is healthy for the expectant mother, adoptive parents and baby. Open adoption can give you, as an expectant mother, a sense of confidence about your adoption decision. You will be able to know that your baby is loved and living the life you dreamt for him or her. Open adoption is also beneficial to the adoptive family and the child in many ways. There are plenty of open adoption stories that show how important and good an open adoption in Alaska can be.  

• All families working with American Adoptions preemptively agree to at least a semi-open adoption. American Adoptions works with hundreds of families from across the country. As a prerequisite for working with us, these hopeful parents agree to at least a semi-open adoption. There will be plenty of amazing families who would be overjoyed to adopt your baby and have a meaningful form of communication with you throughout the process.

Next Steps Toward Your Alaska Open Adoption

As you go over your options, it’s important to know that choosing an open adoption or a semi-open adoption in Alaska is possible for you. Your adoption specialist can work with you to create a communication plan that fits exactly what you need. No two adoptions are the same, because your life is unique. Your open adoption in Alaska can be unique, too.

If you have more questions about Alaska open adoption, or if you are ready to speak with an adoption specialist about beginning your adoption process today, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time.

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