Closed vs. Open Adoption

For a family, deciding to adopt a child is in itself a big step. However, there is an even more important aspect that they have to consider before seeking adoption and that is whether they would prefer an open adoption or a closed adoption. Let us take a look at each kind and understand what the main differences between open and closed adoption are.
Open Adoption: An open adoption is a process in which there is direct interaction between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. This gives the birth parents a chance to have a more defined role in the child’s life allowing them to develop a more healthy relationship as the child grows. This also allows them to feel less guilty about giving up their child for adoption and makes it a little easier for them to come to terms with their loss.  There is also a sense of comfort for the birth parents in being able to know about the child’s well-being. Open adoption allows adoptive parents also to know more about the history of the child they are adopting, the pleasure of having a real relationship with the birth parents and less fear that the birth parents may come to reclaim their child.

Closed Adoption: On the other hand, closed adoption is a process in which there is no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. This means there is complete privacy for the adoptive parents and for birth parents, it gives a chance to attain closure and move on with life. For adoptive parents, it provides a sense of security and protection from unwanted interference.

Many birth parents and adoptive parents are confused about whether they should go in for a closed adoption or an open one. While the decision is a very personal one, some factors play an important role. Parents have to consider how young the child being adopted is, whether the birth parents and adoptive parents had met or perhaps knew each other before the adoption process, how close the birth and biological parents live to one another and finally, the personal preferences of the parents.

Of course, there is one other option – a semi-open adoption. Here the adoptive parents may choose to allow the birth parents to have some kind of non-identifying contact to be made with the child through a third-party. The birth parents are thus aware of how the child is doing at all times and it gives adoptive parents the chance to ask questions and know more about the child without giving up their privacy. There is a greater sense of control over the process and roles for the parents may be more well-defined than in case of purely open or closed adoptions.

Regardless of whether the parents choose an open adoption or closed adoption, it is crucial that the decision be mutually acceptable and be made clear to both sets of parents. Doing so will prevent misunderstanding and much heartache later on, specially for the child involved.