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Contact with Birth Family
Openness in adoption refers to the amount of contact among birth parents and relatives, adoptive parents, and the adopted person. The amount of contact may vary from family to family and, within a family, may change over time. This communication may range from little or no contact; to mediated contact through a third party, anonymous email, or post office box; to ongoing communication with shared identifying information; to occasional in-person contact, holiday visits, or regular communication and visitation when all parties wish it to happen. There is not one type or degree of openness that is right for every family. This section includes resources and information on the range of openness options available to help you determine what level of openness might be best for your family.
Openness in Adoption | |
Series Title: | Factsheets for Families |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 259KB) Order (Free) - Add to Cart |
Year Published: | 2003 - 6 pages |
This factsheet describes the benefits of postadoption contact with birth parents and reviews considerations for determining the degree of openness that is most appropriate for the child. It suggests that adoptive parents consult Internet websites, books, counselors, and other parents when making decisions about open adoption. The factsheet includes a chart of the advantages and disadvantages of confidential adoptions, mediated adoptions, and open adoptions. |
Open Adoption
Adoptive Families Magazine
Provides a collection of resources on open adoption from birth families' and adoptive parents' perspectives.
Open Adoption Bloggers
Features an extensive list of blogs representing the perspectives of adult adoptees, first parents, adoptive parents, adoption professionals, and family members.
Postadoption Contact Agreements Between Birth and Adoptive Families | |
Series Title: | State Statutes |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 352KB) |
Year Published: | 2011 - 48 pages |
Presents State statutes on postadoption contact agreements, which are arrangements that allow contact between a child's adoptive family and members of the child's birth family or other persons with whom the child has an established relationship. Topics covered include States that do and do not have enforceable contract agreements, parties to agreements, the court?s role, and mediation. The laws presented are current through May 2011. |
What Is Open Adoption?
Insight – Open Adoption Resources and Support
Offers relevant information for birth parents and prospective adoptive parents. This website was created by birth parents and focuses on open adoption as a child-centered arrangement.