Things To Know About Open Vs. Closed Adoptions
Open Vs. Closed Adoptions
Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family, but deciding between an open or closed adoption can be a complex and emotional process. Understanding the differences between these two types of adoptions, along with their respective pros and cons, can help you make an informed decision that best suits your family’s needs.
In an open adoption, there is some level of contact and communication between the birth parents and the adoptive family. This can range from exchanging letters and photos to regular visits and ongoing relationships.
A closed adoption involves no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family after the adoption is finalized. All identifying information is sealed, and the adoptive family and birth parents do not share ongoing communication.
Pros and Cons for each
Some pros for an open adoption are:
- Maintains Connection: Allows the child to maintain a connection with their biological family.
- Access to Medical History: Provides access to important medical and genetic information.
- Emotional Benefits: Can provide a sense of identity and closure for the child.
Some drawbacks to having an open adoption are:
- Complex Relationships: Navigating relationships with birth parents can be challenging.
- Potential for Conflict: There may be disagreements or conflicts between the adoptive and birth parents.
- Privacy Concerns: Some adoptive parents may feel their privacy is compromised.
Pros for closed adoptions:
- Clear Boundaries: Provides clear boundaries and a fresh start for the adoptive family.
- Reduced Conflict: Eliminates the potential for conflicts with birth parents.
- Privacy: Ensures the privacy of the adoptive family and the child.
Potential drawbacks to having a closed adoption:
- Lack of Medical Information: The child may lack access to important medical history.
- Identity Issues: The child may struggle with questions about their origins and identity.
- Emotional Impact: Birth parents and the child may experience feelings of loss and disconnection.
How to decide which is best for your family?
Consider your comfort level.
Think about your willingness to maintain contact with birth parents. Assess your family’s ability to navigate potentially complex relationships.
Evaluate the needs of the child.
Consider how ongoing contact with birth parents might benefit the child’s sense of identity and well-being. Think about the child’s potential need for medical and genetic information.
Think about your family dynamics.
Discuss with your partner and family members how they feel about open vs. closed adoption. Consider the impact of each type of adoption on your current family dynamics.
Seek professional guidance.
Consult with adoption professionals and counselors to understand the implications of each option. Attend adoption support groups to hear from other adoptive families about their experiences.
Legal considerations for each type
Open adoptions:
- Legal Agreements: Open adoptions often involve formal agreements outlining the terms of contact between the birth and adoptive families.
- Enforceability: In Tennessee, we now have enforceable contact agreements referred to as PACA: Post-Adoption Contact Agreement. These are binding to the parties and there are specific steps required if either party decides to violate the agreement.
- Moral Agreements: Although Tennessee does have binding agreements, parties can still choose to enter into moral agreements, which are not enforceable by law.
Closed adoptions:
- Sealed Records: Adoption records are sealed, and the identities of the birth parents and adoptive family are kept confidential.
- Finalization: Once the adoption is finalized, the birth parents have legal rights to contact with the child or the adoptive family.
- Future Contact: Any future contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family would require mutual consent.
Choosing between an open or closed adoption is a deeply personal decision that requires careful consideration of your family’s needs and circumstances. Both types of adoption have their advantages and challenges, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
If you need assistance navigating the adoption process or deciding which type of adoption is best for your family, contact our office for a consultation. Rochelle is here to help you every step of the way.
