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Openness/Maintaining Connections
Closed adoption is an adoption in which all identifying information about the birth parents is sealed in agency and court records. Open adoption is an adoption in which there is contact and exchange of identifying information between birth and adoptive families. Open adoption allows birth parents to maintain a connection with a child after placement in an adoptive family. It offers a range of options, and there is no single open arrangement that is right for everyone; everyone's situation is unique. Find resources in this section to assist in making open adoption arrangements and postadoption contact agreements with the adoptive parents of your child.
Openness in Adoption | |
Series Title: | Factsheets for Families |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 259KB) Order (Free) - Add to Cart |
Year Published: | 2003 - 6 pages |
This factsheet describes the benefits of postadoption contact with birth parents and reviews considerations for determining the degree of openness that is most appropriate for the child. It suggests that adoptive parents consult Internet websites, books, counselors, and other parents when making decisions about open adoption. The factsheet includes a chart of the advantages and disadvantages of confidential adoptions, mediated adoptions, and open adoptions. |
Postadoption Contact Agreements Between Birth and Adoptive Families | |
Series Title: | State Statutes |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 352KB) |
Year Published: | 2011 - 48 pages |
Presents State statutes on postadoption contact agreements, which are arrangements that allow contact between a child's adoptive family and members of the child's birth family or other persons with whom the child has an established relationship. Topics covered include States that do and do not have enforceable contract agreements, parties to agreements, the court?s role, and mediation. The laws presented are current through May 2011. |
My Perspective on Open Adoption and Recommendations for Birthparents (PDF - 395 KB)
Hutton
Adoption Advocate, 41, 2011
Shares one birthmother's story of how and why she chose open adoption for herself and her daughter. The article also offers a series of recommendations for expectant parents who are considering making an adoption plan.
Open Adoption: Could Open Adoption be the Best Choice for You and Your Baby? | |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway & the Office of Population Affairs |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 3,283KB) |
Year Published: | 2011 - 20 pages |
Provides definitions of terms and answers to questions pregnant women may have about open adoption. Legal concerns, the benefits of open adoption, and what to expect before and after the birth are discussed. |
Open Adoption
American Adoption Congress
Includes articles addressing grief and open adoption; ethical considerations in open adoption practice, and legislation on open adoption agreements in California.
Open Adoption Bloggers
Features an extensive list of blogs representing the perspectives of adult adoptees, first parents, adoptive parents, adoption professionals, and family members.
Openness in Adoption
Child Welfare League of America
Summarizes the value of openness to all members of the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents and adopted people). This overview also quotes CWLA Standards of Excellence for Adoption Services.
Openness in Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Recommends that agencies and families pursue as much openness as possible, taking into consideration the best interests of each child.
Recommendations for Parents Considering Placement of a Child
American Association of Open Adoption Agencies
Provides considerations about openness for expectant parents considering adoption.
What Is Open Adoption?
Insight – Open Adoption Resources and Support
Offers relevant information for birth parents and prospective adoptive parents. This website was created by birth parents and focuses on open adoption as a child-centered arrangement.
Ethical issues in adoption: Openness ethics
How to adopt - Considering openness in adoption
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