Christian Adoption Service

Confidential/Closed Adoption

Also known as a traditional adoption, Information exchanged between birth and adoptive parents in this type of adoption is non-identifying. Birthparents allow the agency to place the baby with a couple who is pre-approved to adopt. At that level, the birthmother does not usually want to receive pictures or letters about the child’s progress. Letters and pictures are still required to be sent to the agency and are filed in the birthmother’s file should she want them in the future. The majority of birthmothers in this type of adoption, have kept the pregnancy hidden from others and do not want to risk others finding out.

Semi-Open Adotion

This adoption arrangement is limited to contact without sharing identifying information. The birthmother can choose the adoptive family based on profile albums that they create about their life. She can also meet and interview the family prior to delivery. She can choose to have the family to be part of the hospital experience as well. Once discharged from the hospital, contact is indirect and the agency forwards any pictures, letters or gifts thereafter. In this arrangement, birth families can send gifts to the child through the agency.

Open Adoption

Since 2001, adoption agencies in North Carolina have legally been able to offer open adoptions whereby birth and adoptive families fully disclose identifying information to one another. Plans may be made for on-going contact after the child is placed, which could include regular visitation by the birth parent(s) and grandparents and/or the exchange of telephone calls, emails, letters, photos, and gifts. Open adoption is an agreement that is made with the best interest of the child at heart where full disclosure of confidential information will lead to an ongoing relationship between the birth and adoptive families.

It is important to note that in all ranges of openness in adoption today, the fullest possible disclosure of medical histories, family background and prenatal care is made available between both sets of parents. Christian Adoption Services offers all three types of adoptions and it is the choice of the placing parent(s) as to what they feel most comfortable with. Each family adopting through the agency sign a contract with the agency to provide the placing parent(s) with pictures, letters and updates for 18 years on the following schedule:

• First year after placement:
  Pictures and letters monthly
• Second year:
  Bi-monthly
• Third year:
  Every three months
• Years 4-18:
  At least one large packet a year around the child’s birthday

The reality of all adoptions handled by Christian Adoption Services is that children are taught of their adoption early on in an age-appropriate manner. Parents that adopt through Christian Adoption Services agree to tell their child about his/her adoption. Secrecy about the adoption is not what we teach as we promote full honesty!