Step Two Types of Adoption

You’re probably wondering what type of communication you can have with the adoptive parents and the baby before and after the birth.

The level of communication depends on the type of adoption you’d like to have. There are three different types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. Your adoption professional will help you find a family who is interested in the same type of adoption as you are.

Open Adoption

Open adoption is the most common form of adoption in the United States. In an open adoption, you and the adoptive family share identifying information with each other, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. An open adoption also includes varying degrees of openness with the adoptive family and child after the adoption process is finalized. This typically includes the exchange of emails, letters, pictures, phone calls, and yearly in-person visits.

Semi-Open Adoption

Semi-open adoption is like open adoption, but it is limited to only the exchange of photos, emails, and phone calls. With this adoption type, the child doesn’t usually have any direct communication with the birthparents.

Closed Adoption

With a closed adoption, no identifying information is shared between birthparents and adoptive families. You have the option of choosing the adoptive family and having contact with them before the birth if you wish, but in either case, you won’t have any level of communication with the family or the baby after placement. Birthparents usually choose a closed adoption if they’re concerned about their privacy or if they feel like it would be too difficult for them to move forward otherwise.