When you hear people speak about open and closed adoption, they are referring to the post-placement contact between birth families and adoptive families. Whether you are a pregnant woman considering adoption or a prospective adoptive parent, it is important to understand the differences between the types of post-placement contact. This will help you determine which type of adoption is best for you.
Open Adoption
Every adoption situation is unique, so it is difficult to singularly define open adoption. Generally, it comes in two forms: open and semi-open. Most commonly, adoption involves some level of openness.
Fully Open Adoption
Typically, this post-placement contact involves exchanging identifying information, including contact information and last names. The birth parents and the adoptive family manage the relationship themselves. An adoption professional may assist if needed.
Semi-Open Adoption
In this type of post-placement scenario, the birth parents and adoptive parents share pictures, letters and correspondence mediated by an adoption professional. Personal contact information is not disclosed between the two parties.
What Is Open Adoption Like in Florida?
The birth parents and adoptive parents create a post-placement agreement with the assistance of a licensed Florida adoption attorney. This document outlines the expectations of both parties. This way, everyone involved understands what to expect in the post-placement relationship. It is a critical part of the open adoption process, as it allows both parties to examine and discuss any potential issues.
Closed Adoption
A fully closed adoption is exactly as it sounds. There is no contact between birth parents and adoptive families, and no personal contact information is exchanged. While this type of adoption is less common, it is often chosen by birth mothers who want privacy, and perhaps feel they can move forward with life more easily with this type of post-placement agreement.
Benefits of Openness in Adoption
In the past, adoption was a secretive process, and it mostly involved closed agreements. However, modern adoption looks very different than in previous decades. Now, the majority of adoptions involve some degree of openness. There are good reasons for this, as it provides numerous benefits to everyone involved. A few of the advantages include:
- Birth parents get peace of mind by getting updates about the child.
- Adoptive families may have access to more family medical history and updated information.
- Adopted children tend to have a more positive, healthier attitude about their adoption.
- Open adoption creates lifelong relationships.
Whether you are a birth parent or an adoptive parent, it is important to know what type of adoption you are seeking. The post-placement adoption agreement plays a huge role in determining how your adoption journey will unfold.
If you are a pregnant woman considering adoption or a prospective adoptive parent, we can help you navigate the adoption process. Contact us for information and assistance.
Phone: (727) 800-6681