Open adoption is a common option for families wishing to become parents through domestic adoption. In open adoption, the birth family and adoptive family maintain a relationship. The minimum level of contact is mutually decided on by the birth parents and adoptive family, and then both sides sign a post-adoption contract agreement. The contact usually consists of exchanging pictures and letters at certain intervals and can include visitation throughout the child’s childhood.
In an open adoption, the birth mother or birth family chooses the adoptive family for their child. After looking at family profiles, the birth family meets with prospective adoptive parents. After the birth family chooses adoptive parents, the two families or individuals work on establishing a relationship based on mutual respect, honesty and trust. This relationship does not end after birth, but continues to grow.
The families may stay connected through letters and pictures regard the child and their milestones. The birth parent(s), adoptive parents, and the child may visit together once or twice a year. The families may spend an afternoon at a zoo or park, get together for lunch or dinner, spend a day one of their homes, or any number of activities. If the birth grandparents are involved in the child’s life, they may come along for some visits as well. Many times, the birth and adoptive families develop friendships and stay in touch more frequently through Facebook, phone calls, texting or more frequent visits. The level of openness in the adoption is dependent upon the closeness of the relationship developed between the birth parent(s) and adoptive parents.
Open adoption relationships benefit all members of the adoption triad: the child, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents.
An open adoption can give the child:
- The experience of being loved by both of their families
- A sense of peace knowing exactly who their birth parent(s) are
- A lasting connection with their birth parent(s)
- Knowledge of their genetic history if and when it is needed
- A complete and clear picture of their unique adoption story
An open adoption can give the birth mother or birth parents:
- A lasting connection with their child
- An opportunity to see their child grow up
- A feeling of peace knowing that their child is in good hands
- First-hand knowledge of the adoptive parents parenting experiences
- The opportunity to see and share in their child’s future accomplishments
An open adoption relationship can give the adoptive parents:
- A sense of peace regarding the birth parent(s) decision to entrust them with the parenting of their child
- A feeling of connection with the birth parent(s) and true understanding of their child's birth parent's circumstances and reasons for adoptive placement
- A comfort know that their son or daughter will always know who their birth parent(s) are
- The confidence that the child's genetic history will be available
- The opportunity to know the birth parent(s) and their future accomplishments
Open adoption gives the child, birth family and adoptive family so much more. It is a loving adoption choice for an adoptive family and birth family, and the child that they share.
Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post.
Put your Comment Below.