The Difference Between Open vs. Closed Adoption
You chose adoption for your baby because you want what’s best for them. Modern adoption practices have progressed over the years to prioritize the well-being of the adoptee and, by extension, their birth parents and adoptive family.
Many misconceptions about adoption come from outdated practices such as closed adoption. Today, most adoptions are open, allowing for contact between the birth parents and their child’s adoptive family. While you may not be the one raising your child, you’ll be able to receive updates about them and even be involved in certain activities with the adoptive family.
If you want to know more about your contact options with the adoptive family, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our easy contact form.
Understanding the Difference Between Open and Closed Adoption
In an open adoption, you get to build a relationship with your baby and their adoptive parents. The family can send you regular updates about your baby via social media, texts, emails and more. However, in a closed adoption, there is no communication. Your identifying information would not be shared with the adoptive parents.
Today, few adoption agencies provide closed adoption services because the many benefits of open adoption.
3 Benefits of Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption
An open adoption can benefit you and your baby. Here are a few advantages of maintaining post-placement contact:
1. Watch Your Baby Grow Up With the Family You Chose
In an open adoption, you can meet your baby’s adoptive family and maintain contact over time. You’ll be able to see your baby flourish in a loving, caring environment and know that you made the best decision. This can provide you with peace of mind and a sense of fulfillment.
2. Build a Relationship With Your Baby
Open adoption allows you to establish a meaningful connection with your child. You can share in their milestones, offer guidance and be a part of their life as they grow. What’s more, you can answer their adoption questions as they form their identity. They’ll understand where they came from and why you chose adoption.
3. Give Your Child Access to Their Medical History
By staying in touch, you can provide your child and their adoptive parents with essential medical information that could affect their health. This transparency ensures they have a clear understanding of their genetic background, which can help them make informed decisions regarding their well-being.
Are There Adoption Agencies That Do Open and Closed Adoptions in Colorado?
Because open adoption favors the well-being of all parties involved in the adoption process, closed adoptions are rarely done. Today, 95% of adoptions involve varying degrees of openness. We only work with adoptive families interested in maintaining communication with you. All the adoptive parents you’ll see on our website agree to regular email and phone updates as well as at least one in-person visit within the initial five years of your baby’s life.
While these are our basic requirements for adoptive families, many are open to additional communication methods and in-person visits. They consider adoption to be the greatest gift, and they want to include you as the baby’s birth mother.
One birth mother explains that she felt at peace knowing she’d chosen the right family for an open adoption.
“They told me, when I had Charlotte, that I’m family. That means a lot to me because I know that they weren’t going to be given the baby and never talk to me again. Even though Charlotte is now their daughter and they’re mom and dad, she is still my daughter, as well.” –Lindsey, birth mother
What Are the Cons of a Closed Adoption?
Closed adoptions can be challenging for birth mothers, adoptees and adoptive parents. The birth mother may feel guilt and regret because she has no way of knowing how her baby is doing. Adoptees may struggle with identity questions because they don’t know why they were placed for adoption. Additionally, if the child’s health changes, the adoptive family can’t access the necessary medical history.
Open vs. Closed Adoption: What if I’m Not Ready for Contact?
If you’re worried about having an open adoption because you feel it will be too emotionally challenging, you don’t have to be in contact right away. If you need time to heal, you can choose to begin contact months or even years after your adoption. Just let your adoption specialist know when you’re ready.
You can also choose a semi-open adoption, where all contact is mediated by your adoption specialist. You may opt for a semi-open adoption at first and go completely open down the road, or vice versa.
Once you know how much contact you’d like and what kind of adoptive parents you’re looking for, we can compile profiles of families that match your preferences. You can also browse waiting families online and view their personal information, letters, photos and video profiles.
You may be unsure about the amount of contact you want, and that’s okay. You might be nervous about the pregnancy or focusing on other things in your life. We can help mediate the relationship with the adoptive family until you decide or until you’re ready to communicate on your own.
Moving Forward With an Open vs. Closed Adoption in Colorado
An open adoption offers many benefits, including the chance to maintain a relationship with your baby and share vital information.
We can provide more information and help you determine what kind of contact best meets your and your baby’s needs. Just call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our short contact form to get in touch.
Disclaimer
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