Open vs. Closed Adoptions: What Is The Difference?

The decision to adopt a child comes with various other decisions. The first and perhaps the most crucial consideration is whether to choose open or closed adoption. However, many birth parents and adoptive parents are unsure of the differences between these two types of adoption. Uncovering these distinctions can help in making the best decision possible for your family. Here is what you need to know—

What Is Closed Adoption?

A closed adoption is where the birth mother/ parents choose to cut every communication with the child. While that may sound bleak and difficult, sometimes, it stands as the best option. Family lawyers may suggest a separation to help both the birth mother and the child grow and prosper as individuals.

Apart from that, closed adoption can also benefit the adoptive family— happy families are formed in Adelaide every day. Families who cannot have children wish for a child they can love and care for, raising them as their own. This way, closed adoption gives the birth mother, child, and the adoptive family a fresh start. Meanwhile, the information of the birth mother is unknown to the adoptive family. In a closed adoption, there is also no assurance that the child will want to reconcile with the birth mother in the future, even if they have the right to do that. A closed adoption should most likely be accompanied by the understanding that the separation is lifelong.

What Is Open Adoption?

To begin with, in an open adoption, the birth mother selects the adoptive parents. The biological family is aware of the adopted parents' fundamental facts, and likewise. This interaction can take the form of calls and messages, photo exchanges, and in-person visits. Every open adoption partnership is unique— open adoption has no all-encompassing process. To put it simply, the meaning of open adoption is different things to different people. It may include the birth mother choosing the adoptive family for her kid and communicating with them before the adoption. They may also welcome the adoptive family to the hospital during the delivery day. Some may choose to have an open adoption plan that includes stronger communication over time— sending letters through the adoption agency or occasional in-person encounters.

Many birth parents believe that open adoption arrangements provide them with a great deal of peace of mind. Choosing to maintain contact with the adoptive family pacifies the mind that their child may not be with them but is loved, cared for, and safe. The birth parents are reassured of the great life they chose for the baby through pictures, emails, and phone calls. This is beneficial for the child too— the child gains a better understanding of himself/ herself through the interactions with birth parents. It saves them the pain of breaking the burden of unanswered questions, wondering where they come from or who their biological parents could be.
 

Adoption— Open or Closed?

Deciding between an open and closed adoption is only one of many decisions you'll have to make during the lengthy process of adoption. You'll face several critical legal issues as you take on the guardianship and responsibility of an adopted kid. The knowledge and expertise of the best family lawyers in Adelaide can put your mind at ease by facilitating a successful adoption process.