Closed adoptions are not nearly as prominent as they once were and are exceptionally harder to find than they have in generations past. A closed adoption occurs when the adoptive and biological parents choose to have little, and in some cases, no contact whatsoever with one another after the adoption has been completed. This most often occurs in international adoptions and infant adoptions through private agencies. Occasionally, adoptions that were once open can be closed at the adoptive parent’s request. The adoptive parent generally has the right to close an adoption at any time. Closed adoption records are often sealed and are difficult to unseal even after the adoptive child becomes a legal adult.

Open adoptions are much more common than they used to be. In an open adoption, the birth family has contact with the adoptive parents and the adopted child. This option is becoming more popular for its appeal to the biological family. It keeps them tied to the child even if they are not the primary caregiver. In open adoptions, generally speaking, the adoptive parents have the final say in how much contact the biological family has with the child. 

No matter what route you choose, adoption is a beautiful, inspiring, journey that is as unique as each child involved. Work closely with the adoption professionals of your choice to decide what option is best for you and your family. There are many options including closing an adoption initially and opening it later when the adoptive parents feel the adopted child is ready, or having an open adoption and then closing it if circumstances arise that put the adoptive child in distress or at risk. There is no single way to go through the adoption process. Work with adoption professionals and consult with other families who have gone through the adoption process themselves to figure out what adoption option is best for your situation.

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Pros:

There are more adoption opportunities through open adoption. Many expectant mothers, though unable to care for their children, still want to be a part of the child’s life. Open adoption gives them that option,  and are much more willing to work with an adoptive family that will allow them that contact. When adopting through another organization such as Foster Care, open adoptions are strongly encouraged to alleviate some of the stress that the process can inflict on a child.

Another advantage of open adoption is a larger support network. Occasionally, adoptive children can feel inferior or unwanted. They fear abandonment especially knowing that they have been ‘given up’ once before. These feelings can lead to depression and anxiety. Open adoption alleviates that burden for some children since the biological parents are still involved and able to give that reassurance that the child had always been and will always be cared for.

Open adoption also allows for more access to information about the adoptive child. Everyone, at one point or another, has come across a trait or illness that seemed to come out of the blue only to discover that a relative had the same condition. Having an open adoption can make it easier to weather such storms since contact between the adoptive family and biological family is open. Biological family members can be great sources of knowledge when dealing with sudden or even chronic conditions that may suddenly appear in the adoptive child.

Cons:

In an open adoption, there is a possibility for the child to become less attached to the adoptive parents. Since the child knows that their adoptive parents aren’t their biological parents, they may use that knowledge to distance themselves from their families. The adoptive parents should be mindful of such things and speak to their children if they see a disconnect happening in their family.

Open adoptions can leave a child vulnerable if the biological family is unhealthy mentally or dangerous. The adoptive parents have the right to close an adoption and remove any unhealthy influences from their child’s life. Creating strong, solid boundaries with biological families is essential to maintaining a positive relationship and a healthy environment for the adopted child. Limiting interactions, or even cutting off and closing an adoption all together is always an option to keep the adopted child and adoptive family safe and healthy. 

Whether closed or open, to adopt is a process that is as unique as the individuals involved. Open adoption is a great way to unite your forever family as well as maintain a connection with others who also care about the well being of the adoptive child. Discuss your expectations and desires extensively with the professionals that you are working with on your adoption journey to make the decision that is best for your unique family and situation.

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