Open Adoption
Open Adoption Pros
Open Adoption AD Campaign
- the child will never have to search for their birth parent(s)
- there is potential for a positive relationship to form
- adoptive parents will be more relaxed
- they know who the birth mother is, and they have access to any background or crucial information regarding the child if necessary
- the birth mother is less likely to change her mind about the adoption
- she has an established relationship/connection with the child, and she knows & trusts the adoptive family
- adoptive parents can establish a relationship with the birth parents, and gain more "extended family"
Open Adoption Cons
- an unstable birth parent could lead to problems
- they may want more or less contact than what the child wishes to have
- the adoptive parent's sense of being a "true parent" or "true family" may not be as strong
- they may feel less of a sense of enlightenment
- a birth parent may feel like they have greater rights than what are granted
- they could see open adoption as a good halfway - they don't want to have the child, but they don't want it to be adopted either
- they may want to have a larger input in how the child is raised
Open vs. Closed
Overall Opinion
Closed Adoption
- outside of paperwork, there is no contact between child & adoptive parent(s) and birth parent(s)
Semi-Open Adoption
- pictures and letters can be exchanged on rare occasions, but no direct contact occurs
Open Adoption
- the child and adoptive parent(s) have open and direct contact with the birth parent(s)
Open adoption is the most beneficial for the child involved.
- most families decide they want more contact once they meet
- contact includes: e-mails, letter, pictures, phone calls, face-to-face visits, etc.
- open adoption provides the child with the best information
- the child knows as much as possible about their birth family
- knowing & understanding their story/origin will help develop a health self-concept within the child