What to Know About Open Adoption in Connecticut
What is open adoption in Connecticut?
Open adoption definition: An adoption situation in which a child’s adoptive parents and biological parents share identifying information and share a lifelong relationship for the benefit of all involved.
At American Adoptions, we highly recommend open adoption in Connecticut whenever possible. If this is the route you choose, you’ll begin to develop a relationship with your child’s adoptive family as soon as you choose them. This could take place in the form of emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings — whichever methods of communication you’re most comfortable with. It’s also important to know that, just like any other relationship, an open adoption can change and evolve over time as your comfort levels and needs fluctuate.
Anytime you have questions about open adoption or anything adoption-related, fill out this online form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a specialist from American Adoptions. They will answer any questions you may have, discuss any concerns, and can get you started on your Connecticut adoption journey.
What is a semi-open adoption?
The most common type of adoptive relationship comes in the form of a semi-open adoption in Connecticut. This is a relationship in which a child’s adoptive parents and birth parents share contact with the help of an adoption professional, who facilitates communication in the form of photo and letter updates of the child. This is also referred to as a mediated adoption, and neither party will share identifying information.
Many women considering adoption prefer to commit to this kind of relationship with their child’s adoptive family because it allows them to receive updates on their child while still providing them with distance and space to move forward with their own lives.
What is a closed adoption in Connecticut?
Closed adoption definition: An adoption situation in which the adoptive parents and birth parents do not exchange identifying information, nor do they have any contact after placement.
A closed adoption is the least common type of adoptive relationship in Connecticut today, in large part because the women who choose adoption want to receive at least occasional reassurances that their children are safe and happy. However, it can be the right choice for some women. If you feel the need for a sense of closure after placing your baby for adoption, a closed relationship may help you to regain some privacy and move forward with your own life. Even if you do choose to pursue a closed adoption in Connecticut, know that you can still choose an adoptive family for your child with American Adoptions, if you are comfortable doing so.
Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption in Connecticut
As open adoption and closed adoption are obviously very different, it can be helpful to know the benefits that come with some degree of openness in an adoptive relationship. These include but are not limited to:
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Watching your child grow up and being able to explain your adoption decision in your own words. Women who choose an open adoption in CT will be able to watch their children grow and witness the amazing things they do as they get older. You’ll also be able to one day explain to your child why you chose adoption and the immense amount of love and sacrifice it took to do so. They’ll never have to wonder why you “gave them up” or worry that they weren’t wanted.
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Getting to know the adoptive parents you choose for your child. By getting to know the people you choose to raise your baby, you’ll be able to feel confident in your decision and know that you’ve made the right choice for your child. You’ll never have to wonder later on how things are going, because you’ll be able to develop relationship with them and be absolutely firm in your choice.
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Giving your child’s adoptive parents access to his or her biological family’s medical history. You might expect that open adoption benefits only the birth parents and the adopted child, but that’s not necessarily the case. Giving adoptive parents access to you for questions and concerns, particularly regarding your own health and your family’s medical history, can be invaluable in planning medical care for your child.
To learn more about which type of adoptive relationship might be best for you, or to start the adoption process, please call American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION.
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