Understanding Open and Closed Adoptions

Today, potential adoptive parents face many decisions about which type of adoption is the best fit for their new family. Among many other choices, adoptive parents must choose to participate in either an open or closed adoption. With such an important decision to make, it is essential for adoptive couples to understand all available options and considerations in order to make the most informed decision possible.

Closed adoptions were once standard practice, but they are becoming rarer among domestic adoptions. In a closed adoption, the adoptive parents and the birthparents never meet or have direct contact with one another. No identifying or contact information is shared between the adoptive family and the birthparents. Most international adoptions remain closed as it is difficult to foster communication and relationships from across different countries.

In an open adoption, adopting parents and the birth parents exchange identifying and contact information. The adoptive parents and birth parents may communicate regularly during the pregnancy of the birth mother. Depending upon the degree of openness agreed upon by both parties, open adoptions may involve sharing pictures and letters, or possible visits from the birth parents. Such communication can either be exchanged directly or through a third party, like an adoption agent or a lawyer.

Sometimes state laws or adoption agency regulations dictate whether an adoption will be open or closed. The question of which adoption style is better has been the subject of indecisive debate among legal experts and social workers, as well as the topic of inconclusive academic study. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in deciding between an open or closed adoption. Even after the initial decision is made, some closed adoptions are later opened or shift to a semi-open style. The most important issue is what situation is most beneficial for the adopted child and both families.

Adopting a child is an important decision that requires much careful consideration. Are you contemplating adoption or are you already planning to adopt a child? Do you have any idea about how or where to start? Methodist Mission Home has made the adoption process simpler for parents who are considering adoption. Methodist Mission Home offers adoption services for birth mothers, birth fathers, adoptive families for children, and adoptees. They also provide other helpful services like supportive services, post adoption services, and much more. Methodist Mission Home is a national leader in open adoptions.  Visit MMHome.org today to learn more about adopting a child.