Why open adoption?
“Open adoption” refers simply to “open channels of communication between the birthparents and the adoptive parents” (Silber and Speedlin, Dear Birthmother, 1982, page 1). This, as opposed to “closed” adoption, which emphasizes secrecy and maintains “there should never be contact between any of the parties involved after the legal relinquishment” (Silber and Speedlin, pages 1-2). We believe that openness is beneficial to all parties, but is especially important for the child.
“Open adoption”, as further defined within the philosophy and policies of our agency, is a process in which the birth parents are involved in selecting the adoptive family from a group of families studied and approved by the agency. After selecting a family, the birth parents can meet with the adoptive family and begin the process of getting to know them better.
The birth parents are asked to write a letter to their child explaining why an adoption plan was made and encouraged to share photos of themselves and family members. We also ask birth parents to meet with the adoptive family at the placement and then to maintain an ongoing exchange of letters and photos with the adoptive family for the following 18 years.
In addition to exchanging letters and pictures, most of our families will be open to meeting with the birth family once or twice a year. Open adoption allows birth parents to gain a sense of honor and respect for giving life; it honors the adoptive family for nurturing and growing that life, and it allows both families to affirm the child’s life through lifelong connections.
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