Open vs. Closed Adoption

Making an adoption plan is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Within that choice lies another important question: what kind of relationship do you want to have with your child and the adoptive family? It is normal to feel torn between wanting to know your child is okay and wanting to protect your heart from the grief of separation.

The good news is that adoption is not one-size-fits-all. You have the power to choose the level of openness that feels right for you. Whether you envision sharing photos and visits or prefer a more private arrangement, there is a plan that fits your needs.

We are here to help you understand the difference between open and closed adoption so you can make an empowered choice. By exploring how each type works, you can define a future that brings you peace of mind and ensures your baby is loved.

You can get free information about your options and speak with an adoption specialist today to start building a plan that works for you.

What Is the Difference Between Open and Closed Adoption?

When people talk about the difference between open and closed adoption, they are referring to the amount of contact and identifying information shared between the birth parents and the adoptive family.

Open Adoption In an open adoption, the lines of communication are open. You choose the adoptive family, meet them before the birth, and maintain a relationship afterward. This relationship is built on the understanding that a child can never have too many people who love them. It often includes exchanging phone numbers, sharing photos and videos, and having in-person visits.

Closed Adoption A closed adoption is one where there is no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family after placement. Typically, identifying information is not shared. The adoptive family may receive non-identifying medical history, but they will not know your name, and you will not know theirs. This was the standard for adoptions decades ago but is much less common today.

Semi-Open Adoption There is also a middle ground. In a semi-open adoption, you maintain contact with the adoptive family, but it is often mediated by your adoption agency. You might send letters and photos through a secure service like ChildConnect. This allows you to see your child grow without sharing your direct contact information until you are ready.

How to Decide What Is Right for You

Deciding between open and closed adoption is a personal choice. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer—only what is best for you and your baby.

To help you decide, consider asking yourself these questions:

• Do I want to see my child grow up? If the thought of never knowing what your child looks like feels unbearable, an open or semi-open adoption is likely the better fit.
• Do I need space to heal? Some birth parents feel that seeing the child frequently would make it harder to move forward. In these cases, a semi-open or closed plan might provide the boundaries needed for healing.
• What do I want my child to know? Open adoption allows you to tell your story directly to your child. In a closed adoption, the child may have unanswered questions about their history.

Reading birth mother testimonials from women who have chosen different paths can be incredibly helpful. You might see your own feelings reflected in their stories and find clarity on what you want your future to look like.

Can I Change My Mind Later?

Adoption relationships can evolve. Many adoptions start as semi-open and naturally become more open as trust is built over time. If you choose a closed adoption now, you can typically choose to open it later if the adoptive family is agreeable. It is much harder to go from an open adoption to a closed one, as the child will already have formed an attachment and an understanding of who you are.

Your adoption specialist can help you navigate these changes. At American Adoptions, we support you in creating a plan that leaves room for growth while respecting the boundaries you need right now.

How Much Contact Can I Have with My Baby?

In a modern open adoption, you can have as much contact as you and the adoptive family agree upon. The old days of secrecy are largely behind us. Today, open adoption is the most common choice because it benefits everyone involved.

Typical contact often includes:

• Receiving updates on milestones like first steps, first days of school, and holidays.
• Texting, video calls (FaceTime/Zoom), and social media connections.
• Meeting for lunch, going to a park, or spending time together during the holidays.

When you create your adoption plan, you get to specify the type of contact you want. Your specialist will then show you profiles of families who are excited to share that same level of contact with you.

Benefits and Challenges

Every relationship has its ups and downs. Understanding the potential benefits and challenges can help you prepare for the experience ahead.

Open Adoption

• You never have to worry about whether your child is happy or safe; you can see it for yourself.
• Your child grows up knowing their story, their medical history, and that they were placed for adoption out of love, not abandonment. Adoptee testimonials often highlight how meaningful this connection is.
• Birth parents in open adoptions often report less unresolved grief because they can see the positive outcome of their decision.
• Challenge: Navigating a new relationship can be tricky. It may take time to find a rhythm. Seeing your child can also be bittersweet, bringing up feelings of loss alongside joy.

Closed Adoption

• If safety is a concern, or if you feel you cannot move forward while maintaining contact, a closed adoption offers privacy.
• For some, a clean break provides a sense of finality that helps them process their grief.
• Challenge: You may struggle with "what ifs" and worry about your child’s well-being. The child may also struggle with not knowing their biological history. If you or the child want to reconnect later in life, it can be difficult to find each other without updated contact information.

You can read more about open adoption pros and cons to dive deeper into these considerations.

How Arkansas’s Adoption Laws May Affect Your Choice

When considering open and closed adoption, it is important to understand the legal landscape in your state. In Arkansas, the law allows birth parents and adoptive parents to enter into a written "Post-Adoption Contact Agreement."

While these agreements can outline your intentions for communication and visitation, Arkansas adoption law (Ark. Code Ann. § 9-9-225) generally states that these agreements are voluntary. Unlike in some other states, they may not be strictly enforceable in court if a dispute arises. The law emphasizes that the adoptive parents ultimately have the right to make decisions they believe are in the best interest of the child.

Because legal enforcement can be limited, the foundation of your open adoption must be trust. This is why working with a reputable agency is so critical. You need to know that the family you choose is genuinely committed to the relationship, not just signing a paper to complete the adoption.

American Adoptions of Arkansas Supports Open Adoptions

At American Adoptions, we believe that openness is usually in the best interest of the child and the birth parents. We screen our families extensively to ensure they understand the value of open adoption.

In fact, we require all our waiting adoptive families to be open to at least a semi-open arrangement. This means they must be willing to:

• Send pictures and letters for at least 18 years.
• Exchange email updates.
• Agree to at least one in-person visit within the first five years of placement.

We set these standards because experience proves that connection heals. We want you to feel confident that the family you choose will honor their word and keep you involved in your child's life.

Not Sure What Is Right for You?

Choosing between open and closed adoption is a major decision, but you do not have to make it alone. Sometimes, just talking through your fears and hopes with a professional can make the path clear.

Whether you want a fully open relationship with weekly updates or prefer a more private plan, we will support your choices and help you find a family that respects your wishes. You can get free information and speak with a compassionate adoption specialist today. We are here to help you find the peace of mind you deserve.

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