In simple terms, open adoption means that birthparents and adoptive parents have some knowledge about one another. The birthparents know something about the adoptive parents and may even help choose them. Adoptive parents and their children know medical and genetic information about the birth family and other information that might help in dealing with medical or emotional issues that may occur in the future.
What is Open Adoption ?
Open Adoption is Widely Recognized
as the "Healthiest" Form of Adoption
There are a wide variety of open adoptions. Open Adoptions are not required by law although some adoption agencies or attorneys may reuquire an adoption to be open in order to work with them. The final adoption agreement (a legal document) may also contain requirements such as regular contact or exchanages of photos. This is determined based on the wishes of the Birthparents and the Adoptive family.
Open adoptions range from fully open (most common) to minimally open. There are no rules or laws regarding this. The degree of openness is something that is worked out between the Birthparents and adoptive family. The following are some examples of open adoption types.
- Fully Open Adoption:The Adoptive Family and Birthparent(s) maintain contact long after the adoption is complete. Contact may include regular phone calls, E-mail, letters and exchanges of pictures. The family and birthparents may travel to visit with each other from time to time. The adopted child has full knowledge of the birthparents and maintains contact with them on a regular basis as well.
- Semi-Open Adoption:Less open than a fully open adoption .The Adoptive Family and Birthparent(s) have a contact prior to completion of the adoption. After the adoption, letters and photos may be exchanged during certain spacial occasions such as birthdays or Christmas. Phone calls and visits are not typical. The adopted child has full knowledge of the birthparents existance and some limited additional information about them. Medical and genetic information about the birth family and other information that might help in dealing withfuture medical or emotional issues is typically shared.
- Minimally Open Adoption:The Adoptive Family and Birthparent(s) have a little contact prior to completion of the adoption. Contact is generaly terminated once the adoption has been apporved by the proper legal authorities. The adopted child has full knowledge of the birthparents existance, but may know little else. Medical and genetic information about the birth family and other information that might help in dealing withfuture medical or emotional issues is typically shared.
Additional Information About Open Adoption.
- Article about Open Adoption that explores the Origins of Open Adoption and contains some stories about personal experiences with Open Adoption. Also contains links to additional resources on this subject.
- An excerpt from the Open Adoption Pocket Guide by respected adoption authority Brenda Romanchik.
