What are open adoptions?
Open adoption is a term used to describe the kinds of information exchanged in an adoption. Its meaning is on a continuum and does not have one definition. Closed adoption is an adoption where no information is exchanged between the parties. Openness in an adoption can be classified as either pre-birth openness or post-birth openness. Pre-birth openness can include the exchange of first names, meeting once, visiting regularly, exchanging full identifying information on the birth and adoptive family or even being in the delivery room. Post-birth openness can include the exchange of pictures or letters, direct contact or visits. What it doesn=t mean, however, is co-parenting. Some sort of openness is the standard in modern adoption, but what it entails is tailored to the individuals involved.
