Adoption is an option that you, or someone you know, may be considering right now. It’s possible you know someone who has been adopted, or placed a child for adoption. Some of the terms in this blog post may be familiar to you, or you may be just beginning to learn about this option for parenting. Either way, we hope to provide details in this post that will be helpful and informative.
There are two main categories of adoption, open and closed. Which one might be right for you? Read on to find out more.
Closed Adoption
In some cases, you as the birth parent may not desire a certain level of communication with your child’s adoptive family and in other cases, it may be uncomfortable for the adoptive family.
For situations like this, closed adoption may be an ideal solution. It offers an arrangement that provides less communication and interaction between the expecting mother and the adoptive family.
A “closed adoption” refers to an adoption when the birth parent(s) request that the adoption agency choose an adoptive family for their baby, or they choose the family from agency profiles, but do not meet them.
No information, except social/ medical (which Ohio law requires), is shared with the adoptive family.
Open Adoption
An “open adoption” refers to an adoption where the adoptive parents and birth parents share certain information and, in some cases, agree to some type of ongoing contact. The range of openness can include:
Birth parents provide special mementos (baby blanket, frame, book, letter, etc.) to the adoptive parents to share with the baby.
Birth parents and adoptive parents exchanging first names and photographs.
Ongoing communication between birth parents and adoptive parents in the form of letters or photographs sent through the adoption agency.
Birth parents and adoptive parents meeting each other, sharing full identifying information and having ongoing contact directly through years.
Find Out More
There are many factors to consider when thinking about adoption. Each situation and person is unique. Talk to prospective agencies to have your questions answered and get a feel for whether they make you feel comfortable with moving forward.
PDHC can help you connect with an adoption agency that believes and respects each person’s right and responsibility to make the decision that is right for their family.
It is important to recognize that not everyone is comfortable with all levels of openness. The adoption agency matches birth and adoptive parents who want the same thing.
For more information, you may want to visit the websites of these Ohio adoption agencies.
Open Arms Adoption Agency https://openarmsadopt.com/im-pregnant/
Adoption Circle https://www.adoptioncircle.org/pregnant/
Choosing Hope Adoptions https://www.choosinghopeadoptions.org
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