Semi-Open Adoption

Today I want to share about the second kind of adoption, semi-open (there are three types: closed, semi-open, and open).  This is by far the most common type of adoption today.  The Bethany office in Little Rock says that over 90% of their adoptions last year were semi-open.  More than likely we will have a semi-open adoption, but we are willing to have a closed or open adoption. 

The advantage of a semi-open adoption is the exchange of information between the birth mom and the adoptive family.  Birth mom want to know that their child is safe, loved, healthy, growing and happy.  If they receive updates and pictures they are given the assurance that their child is ok.  We as an adoptive family would be happy to send these updates!  Bethany acts are the “middle man” in this process.  We send the updates, letters, pictures, etc to the Bethany office and they pass the information on to the birth mom.  In the same way we as an adoptive family have the comfort in knowing that we can receive information from the birth mom if we need to.  For example, if a medical condition arises, we would be able to ask questions thru Bethany and get information that would be helpful to the doctors. 

But the most important part would be that as our child grows up they will have some answers and information about their birth mom/dad.  We plan to tell our child/children they are adopted and we know they will have questions about their story.  Having letters, videos, pictures from their birth parents will help our child understand their story. 

The following is from Bethany’s adoption guide:

Semi-Open Adoption
The advantage of this arrangement is that both families have the opportunity to develop a relationship over time. A semi-open adoption gives everyone the freedom to communicate with the assistance of the agency. Levels of contact vary and are determined by the birth and adoptive families.  The greatest advantage of this plan lies in the sharing of information. A child’s adoption story continues beyond birth and questions can be answered as they arise. This adoption plan can be very appropriate for birthparents who feel unable to have a more involved relationship.

Common elements:

•           The expectant parents choose a family from written, non-identifying information and usually choose to meet the selected adoptive parents.

•           Birthparents and adoptive parents usually know each other by their first names and may exchange full names.

•           Post-placement meetings are arranged and may be supervised by a third party.

•           Adoptive parents and birthparents share pictures and letters and may include gifts, videos, etc.

•           An agency or third party mediates the contact between the parties before and after the birth.