Open vs Closed
In modern adoptions, birth parents like you and adoptive families build lifelong connections through open adoption. Because you’re in charge of your adoption journey, you get to decide the level of openness with the family you choose.
Open adoption is the decision to have open lines of communication and involvement with your child and the adoptive family you choose.
Most of our birth mothers communicate with the adoptive family through:
- Text
- Phone calls
- Video chat
- And more
By choosing an open adoption, you can begin building a relationship with the family, allowing you to stay connected to your child at whatever level you feel is appropriate. That means milestones, special events, holidays, and other opportunities to engage with your child and the family you choose are an option.
Diana, an adoptee, benefited greatly from having an open adoption.
“I credit the openheartedness of my birth and adoptive families as the reason why I have such positive feelings toward my adoption. Without an open adoption, I’m sure I would feel as if I were missing a part of myself, and I’d likely have some resentment.”
You are in complete control of your adoption. When you create your adoption plan, you can work with your specialist to better understand the open adoption definition and decide how much openness you prefer.
Complete this free online contact form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more. You can also check out this in-depth guide to open adoption.
Did You Know?
Approximately 95% of birth parents choose to have an open adoption.
What if I Don’t Know How Much Contact I Want?
That’s OK! Many birth mothers aren’t sure how much contact they want with the adoptive family.
When you decide which family best fits your adoption plan, you can take things slowly while you decide how much contact makes sense for you. There is no set rule on how much interaction birth parents are supposed to have when pursuing adoption.
Your adoption professional can help mediate contact with the family until you’re ready to manage communication on your own. If you prefer that your specialist continues to mediate contact post-placement, that’s okay, too.
To help you better understand the different types of contact with family, such as open, semi-open or closed adoption, call 1-800-ADOPTION to talk it over with an adoption specialist. This can help you prepare for the journey ahead and establish your comfort zone during your journey and post-placement.
What are the Benefits of Open Adoption?
Caitlin placed her baby for adoption with our agency and knows in choosing adoption, she is part of an exclusive club. She was able to help a couple become a mom or dad when otherwise they never would have. This appreciation and admiration can be felt for years to come.
“He gets this family who can take care of him and do everything I couldn’t, but he can also know that I didn’t just give him away,” Caitlin said. “I had a purpose for him, and it was meant to be.”
Open adoption benefits your child and the adoptive family by:
- Providing important medical history.
- Avoiding your child struggling with identity issues.
- Allowing your child to get answers to their questions.
- Developing meaningful relationships.
Not every birth mother feels comfortable remaining connected to the family. The decision is entirely up to you.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION or complete this free contact form to learn more about contact with the family.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.
