Types of Adoption
Types of Adoption
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 Adoption
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.
Kristy visits with her son Luke in an open adoption. Remember, adoption is not giving away a child; it is GIVING TO your child.