What Is Open Adoption? [Your Guide to Post-Placement Contact]
Adoption means putting your child’s well-being ahead of your desire to not be separated from your child, but it doesn’t mean goodbye forever. In an open adoption, you can maintain contact with your child even after the adoption process is finalized. You can build a lifelong relationship with your child and their adoptive parents.
It’s important to note that the open adoption definition doesn’t establish how much contact you can have. That’s because the decision is entirely up to you. You might want to start receiving notes and pictures immediately after placing your baby for adoption, or you may need some time to yourself. There is no right or wrong way to go about it.
If you would like to learn more about the open adoption process, we’re here for you. You can reach our adoption specialists at 1-800-ADOPTION or through our online contact form. You can also continue reading to get answers to four common questions that pregnant women have about open adoption.
What Does Open Adoption Mean?
It’s important to understand what open adoption means before proceeding with the adoption process. Choosing an open adoption means establishing a relationship with your baby’s adoptive parents. Once the child is a legal adult, they can maintain a direct relationship with you when or if they feel ready to.
During the adoption process, you get to decide what type of contact you’d like to have. Potential communication methods include:
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In-person visits
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Video calls
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Phone calls
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Texts
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Social media updates
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Letters
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And more
Once you determine how and when you’d like to stay in touch, your adoption specialist will help you find adoptive families that share those same preferences.
At American Adoptions of Colorado, we require all of our hopeful adoptive families to be open to direct communication with you through email and phone. Additionally, each family is open to at least one in-person visit within the first five years of your baby’s life.
These are our minimum requirements for open adoptions, but many hopeful adoptive families are open to even more contact. Some birth mothers even talk about finding a new family in their babies’ adoptive parents.
“Adoption has changed my life because I have extended my family. A child that I knew I could not parent is now a forever part of my life, and she has an amazing mom and dad who I stay in great contact with. We touch base at least once a week — not because there is any obligation to do so, but because we are friends.” –Sarah, birth mother
What Is the Point of an Open Adoption?
An open adoption prioritizes the best interests of your baby. It fosters a sense of connection as they grow up and allows them to understand their background. If they have questions for you about the adoption, they can just reach out and ask. They won’t have to wonder about who they are or where they came from.
How Does Open Adoption Work?
The open adoption process puts you in control. You get to make important decisions about your baby’s adoption, including the level of contact you want to maintain. Here’s how the process typically works.
Step 1: Determine How Much Contact You’d Like to Have
As you create an adoption plan, your adoption specialist will ask you questions about post-placement communication. It can help to think about which methods work best and how often you’d like to receive updates. For instance, maybe you prefer monthly social media updates for the first year of your baby’s life. Maybe you want to be there for big milestones like birthdays and holidays.
Step 2: Select the Ideal Adoptive Family for Your Baby
When you work with us, you get to pick your baby’s adoptive parents. It can help to think about the values and beliefs you want the adoptive family to have. Do they plan to follow a certain parenting style? Do they live in a diverse community? Your adoption specialist can use your preferences to find matching adoptive family profiles, or you can look for the perfect adoptive parents online.
Step 3: Meet With the Family Before the Birth
Once you choose a family, we typically facilitate a conference call where you can get to know them. This can help everyone feel more comfortable going into the open adoption. You can ask about information on their profile, tell them about yourself and discuss what you want for your baby’s future. If you decide not to move forward with the family, that’s okay. Your adoption specialist can send you more profiles.
What Is an Open Adoption Agreement?
Every Post-Adoption Contact Agreement looks different depending on the expecting parent’s wishes.
There are no specific open adoption rules about when you begin post-placement contact. It can start whenever you’re ready. You may want to start receiving updates immediately after the birth. Alternatively, you may need to take time to heal. Your wishes will be outlined in your open adoption agreement.
It’s important to recognize that your feelings and needs may change over time. You and your baby’s adoptive family can revisit the terms of the agreement as your relationship evolves and as your child grows. This adaptability helps maintain a healthy, supportive environment for everyone involved.
If you need help navigating certain communications with the adoptive family, we’re here for you. Your adoption specialist can provide support before, during and even after the adoption.
What Is a Semi-Open Adoption?
In a semi-open adoption, your identifying information is kept private. This can provide you with a sense of security during a vulnerable time. You can still handpick your baby’s adoptive family, but our agency will mediate emails, phone calls, pictures and letters.
This could be the right option for you if you don’t want to have direct communication. However, if you decide to switch to an open adoption, you can do so at any time. Your adoption specialist can help you communicate your changing needs and desires.
Do You Have Questions?
If you want to learn more about your adoption options, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can answer your questions about open adoption and share more birth mother stories. You can reach us at 1-800-ADOPTION or through our contact form. Our team is here to support and empower you throughout the adoption process.
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