For birth mothers and couples considering adoption, open adoptions have become the second most popular type of adoption. It is an approach that embraces transparency, communication, and connection among birth mothers, adoptive families, and the adopted child. Unlike the historical secrecy of closed adoptions, open adoption invites closer relationships with opportunities for ongoing contact and shared experiences.
The Key Features of Open Adoption
Communication and Transparency
Open adoption opens lines of communication between birth mothers and adoptive parents. This transparency can include sharing information about the child’s background, medical history, and cultural heritage, as well as updates about the child’s milestones and critical events. Clear and honest communication is at the heart of every open adoption, creating an environment of trust and understanding.
Ongoing Contact
Unlike closed adoptions, where contact is typically limited or nonexistent, open adoption encourages ongoing relationships as the child grows into adulthood. Birth mothers, adoptive parents, and adopted children may choose to maintain varying degrees of contact, which can include letters, emails, phone calls, or visits. The level of openness is agreed upon and defined by the individuals involved and can change over time as people’s comfort levels change.
Respect for Boundaries
A mutual understanding and respect for boundaries are crucial to the success of open adoption. All parties involved have the agency to establish and adjust the level of contact based on their comfort and the child’s best interests. This flexibility allows for a dynamic relationship that can evolve. Regardless of the frequency or type of contact, it is important to know that open adoption is not co-parenting, but rather an opportunity to stay connected beyond adoption.
The Benefits of Open Adoption
Emotional Well-Being
Open adoption provides a clear understanding of the adoption process for everyone involved. It provides birth mothers the opportunity to witness the growth and well-being of their child, while adoptive parents can navigate parenting with a deeper understanding of the child’s background. Open adoptions are flexible, so levels of communication can ebb and flow as they adapt to everyone’s comfort levels.
Identity Formation
For the adopted child, open adoption offers a valuable connection to their roots, cultural heritage, and biological family. This connection plays a crucial role in the child’s identity formation and provides an avenue to answer any questions that may arise as the child grows.
Extended Support System
Open adoption further extends the support system for the adopted child. Birth and adoptive families can collaborate by offering emotional support, guidance, and shared experiences. It also opens up access to friends and family from both the birth and adoptive families, creating a strong network that benefits the child’s overall well-being.
Open adoption is a testament to the evolving landscape of compassion in adoption. It nurtures relationships and understanding and ultimately places the well-being of your child as the priority. Adoption is a journey of vulnerability and compassion. If you’re considering adoption, seek support from professionals, support groups, or counselors. Whatever decision you make, know you are not alone, and resources are available for every step of the way.
