Which path to take? Choosing between open and closed adoption
Every mother’s adoption journey is unique, and one of the most personal decisions you’ll make is choosing between open and closed adoption. Before moving forward, it’s important to understand how modern open adoption works, so you can decide what feels right for you and your baby. Our Florida adoption agency professionals are here to provide information, answer your questions, and support you as you make a plan that gives you the most peace of mind.
Understanding modern open adoption
A modern open adoption allows you and the adoptive family to know each other’s identities, while recognizing that the adoptive parents become the child’s legal parents after placement. Instead of saying goodbye forever, you have the opportunity to decide what kind of future relationship that you would like to have with the child and adoptive family.
You may decide that you’d like to maintain contact with the adoptive family in one of several different ways.
- Occasional photos and updates
- Exchange messages through a secure online portal
- Stay in touch by phone or video calls
- Celebrate birthdays or holidays by sending gifts
- Spend time together through occasional visits
For many women choosing between open and closed adoption, this flexibility makes modern open adoption an appealing choice. The relationship includes everyone’s comfort level, as all parties agree to respect the same preferences for contact moving forward.
How is a closed adoption different?
A closed adoption is centered on privacy. The identities of the birth parents and adoptive family remain confidential, and court records and the original birth certificate stay sealed under Florida law, unless a court orders otherwise. There is no ongoing contact after the baby is placed with the adoptive parents.
Although modern open adoption has become the option many mothers prefer, some women choosing between open and closed adoption find that privacy gives them greater peace of mind. It’s a deeply personal decision, and our Florida adoption agency’s counselors can help you work through your feelings and all of the options to decide what feels best to you.
Why do many families choose open adoption?
Many adopted adults have wanted to learn about their biological families, including their medical history, siblings, and the circumstances surrounding their adoption. Research has shown that modern open adoption can help children better understand their personal stories and develop a stronger sense of identity, while giving adoptive parents access to important family medical information.
Get support for choosing between open and closed adoption
Because every woman has different hopes and circumstances, your vision of an ideal adoption plan may be different from others. Our role is to explain your options, answer your questions, and provide the facts you need before choosing between open and closed adoption.
We’re committed to helping you feel informed, supported and confident as you make the decisions that you feel are best for you and your child. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an options counselor, and get the information and support you need.
