Understanding Adoption

Domestic adoptions today are quite different from the past, and each adoption is different from the next.  Besides what the law requires, there is no right or wrong way to make an adoption plan.  As a birthparent or adoptive family, you may choose a closed or open adoption or something in between.

• A closed adoption is where neither birthparents nor adoptive parents know each other, generally do not meet at any point, and there is usually no identifying information shared before or after the adoption.

• In an open adoption, the birthparents and adoptive parents usually meet and share their complete identities both before and after the adoption.  There may be ongoing visits between them after the adoption is completed.

• Semi-open adoptions usually involve birthparents and adoptive parents meeting beforehand on a first name basis and some type of ongoing information sharing after the adoption through the agency.  Most adoptions fall into this category.

The choices about openness are made by those involved in the adoption plan. Each type of adoption fits better for some individuals than others.  Your adoption professional can help you consider what type of adoption is right for you and your situation.