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A Guide to Open Adoption
Why It Matters and How It Works
Exploring Your Options? Let’s Talk About
Open Adoption and Why It Could Be Right for You.
Open adoption is when birth and adoptive families maintain on-going contact after placement. This can include sharing photos, updates, letters, and visits. Every open adoption is unique, with contact levels that you and the adoptive family decide together, based on what’s most comfortable for everyone involved.
If you’re wondering if open adoption is right for you, here are a few reasons why many birth parents choose this path:
For Your Child: Open adoption helps your child understand their birth family and birth culture, offering them a greater sense of self identity as they grow up.
For You as a Birth Parent: Open adoption lets you stay connected to your child and feel secure in your decision that your child is being well taken care of.
For the Adoptive Family: Open adoption allows adoptive families to understand their child’s birth story and biological background, providing them with answers to the questions their child may ask.
Each open adoption is unique, allowing both birth and adoptive families to choose the right level of contact that feels best for everyone involved. Here’s what you can expect:
Flexible Communication: You and the adoptive parents can decide what level of contact feels right. This could include in-person visits, photos, letters, and phone calls.
Customized to Your Needs: Open adoption can evolve over time. Some families begin with occasional updates, which may grow into more frequent contact as a child gets older.
Honesty and Transparency: The goal is to ensure your child grows up knowing about you and their birth story and has access to their birth parents when inevitable questions arise.
Open adoption can be a rewarding choice. Here are some benefits to consider:
For Your Child: They’ll have answers as they grow. Knowing their story and having a connection with you can give them a fuller and whole picture of who they are.
For You as a Birth Parent: You’ll have the chance to see your child grow, knowing you chose a loving family for them. This can bring you peace of mind.
For the Adoptive Family: They are able to support their child and help them in developing a full sense of self by maintaining connections to their biological family.
If you’re thinking about open adoption, consider these questions:
If any of these feel important to you, open adoption could be the right choice.
Each open adoption is unique, allowing both you and the adoptive family to choose the right level of connection and involvement. Here’s what you can expect:
No, each open adoption is unique. You and the adoptive parents work together to decide on the level of contact that works best.
Yes! The type and level of contact is likely to evolve as both your families grow.
Many birth parents feel uncertain at first. Our team is here to guide you, answer questions, and help you feel confident in making the best decision for you and your child.
Guidance and Support: We work with you and the adoptive family to develop a plan that feels right for everyone.
Counseling and Resources: From your first call to lifelong support, we’re here to help you feel informed and empowered every step of the way. We can also help connect you with other birth parents in open adoption for mutual support.
If you have questions or want to explore if open adoption is right for you, reach out today. We’re here to provide information, support, and a listening ear as you make the best choice for you and your child.
Isabella, a young college student, faced an unexpected pregnancy. Through Spence-Chapin’s comprehensive support, she chose open adoption, a decision that offered numerous benefits. By selecting loving adoptive parents, she ensured her child would have a bright future filled with love and opportunities. Open adoption allowed Isabella to maintain a connection with her child, fostering a lifelong bond. Spence-Chapin’s guidance and resources empowered Isabella to make informed choices and find peace in knowing her child was in caring hands.
©2020 SPENCE-CHAPIN SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.
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