Flag as Not Acceptable?
We review flagged content and enforce our Terms of Use, in which content must never be:
- Profane or sexually explicit
- Disrespectful or abusive
- Infringing of copyright
Parentpedia
Open Adoptions
What Experts Say
In an open adoption there is some kind of relationship between the adoptive family and the birth family. This relationship may be between the adopted child and his or her birth siblings, birth parents, or birth grandparents. It may take the form of regularly exchanged cards and letters (either directly or through an intermediary such as the agency or attorney who facilitated the adoption), phone calls, or even visits.
While open adoption is most common in domestic infant adoption, many foster-to-adopt situations encourage contact between the child's adoptive family and his or her birth family. There is even openness in some international adoptions.
Here are some facts about open adoption:
Open adoption is not co-parenting. The adoptive parents are the legal parents of the child and make all of the parenting decisions.
Open adoption agreements are not always legally binding. Most states don't enforce open adoption agreements. Before signing anything, make sure that everyone understands what the agreement means and what the legal status will be.
There isn't one way to do open adoption "right." Openness looks like different things for different families. As you consider your options, be honest with yourself about your concerns and limitations. Talk to families who are living open adoptions to get a better idea of the challenges and the rewards.
Open adoption doesn't confuse the kids. Says Micky Duxbury, author of Making Room in Our Hearts, "Openness in adoption can actually help kids be less confused. All of the teens and young adults I interviewed for my book said that they would have been confused if their birth parents were not in their lives."
Do Open Adoptions Work?
Open adoption has become more prevalent in recent years, but researchers at the MN/TX Adoption Project have been formally studying it since 1984.
They have found that openness makes for better outcomes for everyone in the adoption triad -- adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. You can learn more by clicking through to read about their study.
ParentPedia contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of ParentPedia, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.
The contents of ParentPedia are intended for educational purposes only. Such contents are not intended to, and do not, constitute medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on information presented on ParentPedia is at your own risk.
Thank You!
Thank you for helping us maintain a friendly, high quality community at Family.com. This comment will be reviewed by a community moderator.
