What is an “open adoption”?
There are several different kinds of adoptions. The primary distinctions are between private or agency and open or closed adoptions. Simply stated, an open adoption is when the family knows your last name, address, and phone number, and you know this information about the family. A closed adoption is when that identifying information is not exchanged. It has nothing to do with whether you get pictures, meet the family, get updates, or see the family on an ongoing basis. As the birth mother, you really have all the choices and can decide what you want.
Experts state that for an adoption to be considered open, adoptive and birth parents must meet, share full identifying information and have access to ongoing contact over the years. At FAC, we advocate openness in adoption but do not indicate the degree of openness or amount of contact in the adoption relationship. All parties prior to, during, and/or after the adoption process can decide upon how much information is shared. FAC shares information about birth parents or adoptive parents only by consent of those involved. It has been our experience when adoptive parents are willing to share information and actually meet with the birth family, their chances of a successful adoption are greater. It is easier for a birth family to consider releasing a child for adoption when they have tangible, concrete information about who will be raising their child. Most adoptive parents report that meeting the birth parents was a good experience that helped them see the birth parents as caring people
An open adoption is one in which there is some degree of contact between the birthparents and the adoptive parents — often this includes contact with the child as well. There is no one standard for open adoptions; each family works out an arrangement that works well for them. Some adoptive parents consider meeting the birthparents just once before the birth of the child, while others form ongoing relationships which may include written correspondence or visits.
Open adoption has varying degrees of openness according to the mutual agreement between the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s). That agreement may include the exchange of information through the agency only or a mutual agreement to have access directly with each other. The amount of openness must be agreed upon by both parties. Usually that agreement is made when you select an adoptive family.
