JustMommies / Getting Pregnant / Adoption and Surrogacy

Differences Between Open and Closed Adoption

By Jeanette Pollock

Adoption can be an alternative for a women that is facing an unexpected pregnancy. Adoption is where another family takes the child and raises it. There are various types of adoptions and each one is handled based upon the wishes of the individuals involved. There are two main types of adoption; open adoption and closed adoption. There is a lot of confusion over how exactly each type works. Knowing the basic guidelines of each can help people understand the whole process better.

Open adoption is where identifying information, such as names and addresses, are exchanged. Both sets of parents know everything about the other, including how to contact them. This type of adoption makes it easier for a child to find their biological parents when they get older. The records kept are easier to obtain and any changes, such as name changes, are more likely to be documented.

Closed adoption involves no exchanging of personal information. The majority of contact is done through the agency. Other details may be shared as each set of parents see fit. This type of adoption can sometimes make it difficult for a child to find their biological parents. Sometimes records can be sealed and changes made are made to permenant records without much chance of recovering the original.

In both open and closed adoptions there are variations. Both scenarios can involve the biological parent remaining a part of the child’s life. Sometimes pictures are exchanged or holidays are celebrated together. Adoption is a very flexible situation.

Open and closed adoption really only refers to the information exchanged between parents. In the end, everything is at the discretion of the people involved. State laws can mandate different guidelines for both types of adoption. The agency used may also have their own policies. The best option for each situation will be decided by the people and agencies involved.

About the Author:

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justadoptiontips.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about the differences between open and closed adoption.