Adoption is the legal placement and complete transfer of parental rights and obligations from one family to another. All obligations and rights to the child are surrendered by the birthparent(s) and assumed by the adoptive parents.
There are three types of adoption you can choose from: Open Adoption, Semi-Open Adoption, and Closed Adoption.
Open adoption allows you to select a family for your child. Open adoption is the disclosure of identifying information between the two families. An agreement is made between the birth and adoptive parents for ongoing contact.
Semi-open adoption can have different interpretations. It could be meeting with the adoptive parents before or after the adoption, having the adoptive parents present at the birth, and some form of ongoing contact with the adoptive family after the adoption is complete.
Closed adoption is where you and adoptive parents have no knowledge of each other. The adoption usually occurs with the help of a social worker and an adoption agency who work together to select the adoptive parents and complete the adoption process.
The “Open” in Adoption
Open Adoption Open adoption gives you the valuable choice of deciding who will parent your baby. If open adoption appeals to you, an open adoption agency will help you find a family who is willing to love and provide for your child in a way that you would be proud of.
Choice of an Adoptive Family Open adoption allows the birthmother to choose the adoptive family to legally adopt and parent the child. If interested, you can develop a friendship with waiting adoptive parents to get to know them and understand how your child will be taken care while growing up.
Choices at the Hospital Open adoption allows you to decide if you want the adoptive parents to be at the hospital when you deliver. Before going to the hospital you can decide if you want to see the baby, hold the baby and even name the baby.
Choices of the Future By knowing the adoptive parents you can agree on future communication, if any, with the adoptive family, and if you want to receive pictures or letters at a given time throughout his or her life.
Choices of Who Helps You have the choice to choose which organization can help you with the open adoption. You can receive counseling or be referred to a professional counselor, have arrangements for legal assistance and be provided with some reasonable expenses, depending upon your circumstances and the adoption laws in your state. If open adoption is your choice, choosing a good service can make a big difference. Remember, you always deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Whether you choose an agency, facilitator, intermediary attorney or independent adoptive parents, make sure they care.