Open Adoptions

An open adoption means there is some level of communication between the birthparents and the adopting parents in an adoption, whether it is directly or indirectly. Openness is an increasingly popular practice with adoption planning. Medical data, social history, and other possible information can help the adopting family, especially the adopted child, cope with and understand more about the reasons for adoption and the birthparents in general.

Birthparents can feel greater confidence in their decision to plan adoption when they know who will be caring for their child. There are varying degrees of openness in adoption. In most cases, the birthparent will choose the adopting family and disclose medical and social history. The birthparents and the adopting parents may choose to have pictures sent back and forth through the use of the adoption agency. In other cases the birthparents and the adopting parents may meet face-to-face and the birthparents may stay involved throughout the child's life. The level of openness is different for each situation depending upon what both the birthparents and the adopting parents are comfortable with.