Find Open Adoption Families

Finding the right family for your baby is one of the most personal and significant choices you will make during your adoption journey. When you close your eyes and picture your child’s future, who do you see? Do you see them growing up with siblings? Do you see them traveling the world or playing in a big backyard? Most importantly, do you see yourself being a part of that picture?

For many expectant parents, the fear of losing contact with their child is a major barrier to choosing adoption. You might worry that once the papers are signed, you will be shut out. But it does not have to be that way. Today, you have the power to choose open adoption families who are not only excited to become parents but are also eager to know you and honor your place in your child’s life.

You can get free information and support from an adoption specialist today, or keep reading to learn how to find the perfect family for your baby.

What Is an Open Adoption Family?

An open adoption family is an adoptive family that is committed to maintaining a relationship with the birth parents. Unlike the closed adoptions of the past, where identities were hidden and contact was non-existent, open adoption families embrace the idea that a child can never have too many people loving them. You can look at adoption facts then and now to see just how much the process has evolved to prioritize these connections.

When we talk about "openness," we are talking about a spectrum of contact. For some, it means exchanging letters and photos once a year. For others, it means weekly video calls, text messages, and annual family visits. The beauty of modern adoption is that you get to decide what "open" looks like for you.

When you start looking for a family, you are not just looking for parents; you are looking for partners in this journey. You are looking for people who will speak highly of you to your child, who will answer your calls, and who will welcome you into their lives. Choosing an open adoption means choosing a future where your child knows their story. Adoptee testimonials often highlight how knowing their birth parents helps children grow up with a stronger sense of identity and self-worth.

American Adoptions of Arkansas’s Open Adoption Requirement

One of the biggest fears birth parents have is that an adoptive family will promise contact and then disappear after the adoption is final. We understand that fear, and we have taken concrete steps to prevent it.

At American Adoptions, we screen our families extensively. But we go a step further than most agencies. We require 100% of our waiting families to be open to a minimum standard of contact. This means that every single family you see on our website has already agreed to:

• Send pictures and letters for at least 18 years.
• Exchange emails and phone numbers.
• Be open to at least one in-person visit within the first five years of placement.

We set this standard because experience and research on open adoption statistics prove that openness is generally best for the child. By requiring this commitment upfront, we remove the guesswork for you. You don't have to waste time filtering out families who want a closed adoption. When you look at our open adoption families, you can feel confident that they are ready and willing to build a relationship with you.

Of course, if you prefer a closed adoption, we will respect that choice and help you find a family who will honor your privacy. But if you want connection, you can trust that our families are prepared for it.

How to View Open Adoption Family Profiles in Arkansas

You might be wondering, "Where can I see adoptive family profiles?" The process is easier and more accessible than ever before. You can view profiles of waiting adoptive families right from your phone or computer.

When you browse these profiles, you are getting a window into their lives. Here is what you can expect to see:

• Photos: You will see pictures of their home, their pets, their vacations, and their daily lives. This helps you visualize where your child would grow up.
• Written Letters: Families write "Dear Birth Mother" letters to introduce themselves, share their values, and explain why they want to adopt.
• Video Profiles: This is something unique to American Adoptions. We create high-quality video profiles for our families. Unlike a static photo, a video allows you to hear their voices, see their mannerisms, and watch how they interact with each other. You can see them reading a bedtime story or playing in the park. It gives you a much truer sense of who they are.

You can filter these profiles by criteria that matter to you, such as religion, race, location, and family size. Whether you want a family in Arkansas or across the country, you have access to hundreds of open adoption families who are waiting for a child just like yours.

How Do You Choose the Right Open Adoption Family?

With so many wonderful families to choose from, making a decision can feel overwhelming. How do you know who is "the one"?

First, think about the practical factors.

• Location: Do you want your child to grow up in a city or the country? Do you want them to live nearby in Arkansas so visits are easier, or do you prefer they live in another state to give you some space?
• Siblings: Do you want your child to be the oldest, the youngest, or an only child?
• Lifestyle: Are you looking for a family that loves sports, music, or the outdoors?

Next, look for shared values. Read their letters carefully. Do they talk about education in a way that resonates with you? Do they share your faith? Do they seem to have a sense of humor that you enjoy? Weighing the open adoption pros and cons of different lifestyles can help you clarify what matters most to you.

Finally, pay attention to their stance on openness. While all our families agree to the minimums, some are eager for much more. If you know you want monthly visits and weekly FaceTimes, look for families who express a strong desire for that level of connection. Your adoption specialist can help you identify open adoption families who are looking for the same type of relationship you are.

Trust your instincts. Many birth mothers say they just "knew" when they saw a certain profile. Reading birth mother testimonials can show you how other women found that spark of connection. Pay attention to those feelings.

What Happens After You Choose a Family?

Once you have selected a family, the abstract idea of "open adoption" becomes real. The next step is usually a conference call. This is a mediated conversation facilitated by your adoption specialist. It is normal to be nervous! Your specialist will be on the line to make introductions, ask ice-breaker questions, and keep the conversation flowing.

This call is your chance to ask them questions about their parenting style, their thoughts on open adoption, and their lives. It is also a chance for them to get to know you.

If the call goes well and you feel a connection, you can move forward with building a relationship.

• During Pregnancy: You might text updates, share ultrasound photos, or even meet for lunch if they travel to you. This pre-placement period is crucial for building trust.
• At the Hospital: You can decide how involved they are in the birth. Do you want them in the delivery room? Do you want them to cut the cord?
• After Placement: Your relationship transitions into the open, closed, or semi-adoption plan you agreed upon.

Remember, you are in control. If you talk to a family and don't feel a spark, you can keep looking. You are never obligated to move forward until you are 100% sure.

How American Adoptions Supports You

Finding open adoption families is just one part of the journey. At American Adoptions of Arkansas, we are here to support you through every single step.

• Personalized Matching: We listen to your needs and only show you profiles that match your vision.
• Screening and Safety: You can rest easy knowing that every family has passed a rigorous home study and background checks.
• Counseling: We provide 24/7 counseling to help you process your emotions and make confident decisions.
• Mediation: We facilitate the early conversations to ensure healthy boundaries and clear communication.
• Post-Placement Support: We manage the exchange of photos and letters for up to 18 years if you choose a semi-open adoption, ensuring you never lose contact.

We have helped thousands of birth parents find families that feel like home. We are committed to helping you find that same peace of mind.

You Can Give Your Baby a Bright Future

You have the power to turn a difficult situation into a story of love and hope. By choosing one of our open adoption families, you are giving your baby a life full of opportunity, and you are giving yourself the assurance that you made the right choice.

You do not have to walk this path alone. There are families waiting right now who have been praying for a birth mother just like you.

If you are ready to start looking for the perfect family, or if you just want to see what your options are, we are here to help. You can contact an adoption specialist today to get free information and start browsing profiles.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.