What is the difference between open, semi-open, and closed adoption?
Most adoptions at Adoption Associates, Inc. are semi-open adoptions. A semi-open adoption usually includes an in-person meeting, but no identifying information is exchanged. The meeting is often at the office and is facilitated by an agency staff member. Arrangements may be made in a semi-open adoption for some further communication between the birth parent and adoptive family by using a non-identifying phone number or e-mail address. There is also an agreement to exchange photographs and letters, often for up to eighteen years of age. These pictures and letters are sent to the agency and we act as an intermediary to send the photographs and letters on to the birth parents. Birth parents may also send photographs and letters to the adoptive family in the same way. A written agreement is developed by the agency which will outline the birth mother’s and family’s wishes so that everyone knows what the expectations are. There are some birth parents who will request a fully open adoption, w
