Open Adoption
Open Adoption: Definition, Benefits, and How It Works
Open adoption is the most common form of domestic infant adoption today. It involves ongoing, direct contact between the birth family and the adoptive family, from letters and photos to phone calls and in-person visits.
Definition
An open adoption is an adoption in which the birth parents and adoptive family maintain some form of ongoing direct contact after placement.
How It Works
- ●Birth parents and adoptive family exchange contact information
- ●Both families agree to a level of contact, letters, photos, calls, or visits
- ●Contact frequency is decided together and can evolve over time
- ●Our counselors help mediate the relationship, especially early on
Benefits
- +Children grow up knowing their birth story and biological family
- +Birth mothers often report a better sense of peace knowing how the child is doing
- +Adoptive families have access to medical and family history information
- +Relationship can be honored and celebrated rather than hidden
Considerations
- ·Requires intentional communication and boundary-setting
- ·Relationship may change over time, both families should be open to that
- ·Not all states legally enforce post-adoption contact agreements
Common Misconceptions
- Open adoption is not co-parenting, the adoptive family are the legal parents
- Open does not mean unlimited contact, arrangements vary widely
- Birth parents cannot reverse the adoption because contact is open
Compare With Other Types
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.
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.
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.
Open Adoption FAQ
What is 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.
Who chooses open adoption?+
Families and birth parents consider open adoption for many reasons. See the benefits and considerations sections above for a fuller picture.
How common is open adoption today?+
Open adoption is the most common form of domestic infant adoption in the U.S. today.
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.