In the eyes of many, adoption has always had one definition: the taking in of a child that’s not biologically yours and becoming a non-biological parent.
The reality of modern day is that the nature of adoption has expanded. By this, we mean that adoptions can be either open or closed nowadays.
According to Findlaw, “decades ago, virtually all adoptions are closed…nowadays, however, the trend in the United States is toward open adoptions”.
We feel it’s important to explain what these terms mean and how they apply to you if considering adoption.
Open adoptions
This is where the adoptive parents meet and keep contact with the birthparents. A benefit of this is that it has huge potential to blossom into a positive inclusive family relationship. Of course, every adoption situation is different, to which there’s a varying degree of openness and interaction between both sets of parents (adoptive and birth).
The matter falls mainly on the birthparents, who have a voice in choosing the adoptive parents. In a world now connected with social media, it’s no wonder that keeping constant communication and openness is no longer as big of a challenge.
Closed adoptions
Once the more common form of adoption, it’s rarely seen today in the United States. If anything, this type of adoption is more seen in international adoptions. The idea here is for the adoptive parents to put their name on a list, from which a social worker will utilize to make a good match.
In many cases, the adoptive parents won’t know where the child came from or who the birth parents are. The child involved is the individual kept most in the dark. The adoptive and birth parents may know of each other, but don’t stay in touch after the adoption process is finalized. Files are sealed typically, hence why it’s a “closed” adoption.
I’m sure at this point that you have made yourself a mental pros and cons list of both. Whether you have or haven’t, we know you’ll have some questions going into the adoption process. At Southern Oaks Law Firm, Taylor Fontenot is an experienced adoption law attorney that can help guide you through this process. Call 337-704-7255 or email Taylor today.
In Case You Missed It…
National Adoption Awareness Month Part 2: Your Adoption Checklist
National Adoption Awareness Month Part 1: Adopted Child Custody