Open Adoption Series

In the past several decades, openness levels in adoption have evolved significantly.  In a world where almost all adoptions used to be closed, now it is much more common for adoptive families to be in contact with the birth family prior to and after the birth.  This can be a positive thing for the birth family, adoptive family, and the adoptee. 

There are several levels of openness within adoption.  It is important to note that every open adoption looks different and while one family may have a weekly dinner with their birth mom, another family's relationship and level of contact may look completely different.  Before we talk more about open adoption in this series, I think it's important to distinguish the differences between the three main levels of openness in adoption:

• Open Adoption - Open communication between the birth family and adoptive family with personal information (phone number, address, contact info) shared freely between parties.  
• Semi-Open Adoption - Adoptive parent's personal information remains completely confidential, but allows a meeting between the birth and adoptive parents prior to or at the time of birth.  After the adoption takes place, letters or emails might be sent periodically through the child's life.  Sometimes these communications are done independently, other times they are facilitated by the agency. 
• Closed Adoption - Social and medical information may be shared with the adoptive family, however the birth family and adoptive family remain completely anonymous. 

It is not uncommon for families to share their many concerns, misconceptions, and fears about open adoption with me when they are considering what their family is comfortable with.  Some families have even gone as far as to tell me that they'd love to adopt domestically, but the idea of a birth mom terrifies them and so they've decided to pursue international adoption instead.  

It's important for prospective adoptive families to do their research, talk with others who have open adoptions and pray before making decisions about what they are open to.  I don't think open adoption is for every adoptive and birth family.  However, I often see families let their fears overcome their faith and they end up missing out on what could be a wonderful experience for all parties involved. 

I'm excited to spotlight several families over the coming weeks who will be sharing their experience with open adoption with you!  Stay tuned... 

Have questions about domestic adoption? Or ready to start the adoption process?  Email me at leah@christianadoptionconsultants.com for more information!