Closed Adoption
Closed Adoption: Definition, Process, and What to Consider
In a closed adoption, there is no ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptive family after placement. Closed adoptions are less common today than they once were, but remain an option some families choose.
Definition
A closed adoption is an adoption in which no identifying information is exchanged between birth parents and adoptive family, and there is no ongoing contact after placement.
How It Works
- ●All identifying information is kept sealed
- ●No letters, photos, or contact after placement
- ●Birth and adoptive families typically do not know one another
- ●Post-adoption records are sealed by court order in most states
Benefits
- +Complete privacy for both families
- +Clear emotional boundaries at placement
- +Birth mother may feel it is the only way to move forward at the time
Considerations
- ·Adopted children often want information about their origins later
- ·Growing research suggests some contact supports healthy adoptee identity
- ·Medical and family history information may be harder to obtain
Common Misconceptions
- Closed adoption records are not permanently inaccessible, many states allow later reunion registries
- Closed does not mean the birth mother doesn't care, many choose it as an act of love
Compare With Other Types
Open Adoption
An open adoption is an adoption in which the birth parents and adoptive family maintain some form of ongoing direct contact after placement.
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption is an adoption in which birth parents and adoptive family share non-identifying information and updates through the adoption agency, without exchanging direct contact information.
Private (Independent) Adoption
A private adoption is a domestic infant adoption arranged directly between birth parents and adoptive family, typically with an attorney handling the legal aspects but without full-service agency counseling, matching, or post-placement support.
Talk Through Your Options
Our counselors help you decide what type of adoption is right for you, free and confidential.
Closed Adoption FAQ
What is closed adoption?+
A closed adoption is an adoption in which no identifying information is exchanged between birth parents and adoptive family, and there is no ongoing contact after placement.
Who chooses closed adoption?+
Families and birth parents consider closed adoption for many reasons. See the benefits and considerations sections above for a fuller picture.
How common is closed adoption today?+
Closed adoption is less common today than in previous generations. Research supports some level of ongoing contact for most adoptees.
Can an adoption change types over time?+
Yes, many adoptions evolve. Families may choose to open a closed adoption later, or adjust contact in an open adoption as the relationship matures. Post-adoption contact agreements are enforceable in some states, including Utah.