Types of Adoption

Each adoption is as unique as the families involved. Even so, when adopting a baby, it will fit into one of three basic categories: open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption.

Whether you’re the biological parents or the adoptive parents, it’s important to carefully consider the differences between the three and decide what kind of adoption you want to have. That way,  Adoption Choices of Texas can match you with someone who feels the same way.

Open Adoption

In this type of adoption, biological and adoptive parents maintain direct contact with each other. This generally includes an annual visit with the baby through age 18. Direct contact with each other before, during, and after the adoption. Before the child is born, both families work with the agency to design an arrangement for all parties, with everyone’s best interest in mind. This is a beautiful option, but does require careful consideration and planning to ensure everyone’s comfort level.

Semi-Open Adoptions

A semi-open adoption is usually a first name basis of shared information, with updates shared on the web based service.

These are some advantages of a semi-open adoption:

• Flexibility: You can choose the level of contact that works for both families and allow it to change over time. Maybe that means monthly emails; maybe it means one exchange per year.
• Less Pressure: The birth mother can move on with her life without having to schedule visits or feel obligated to maintain a close relationship, but still has the opportunity to find out how the child is doing. Adoptive parents can keep her up-to-date without feeling that there are three or four parents involved in the child’s life. By working through the agency rather than directly with each other, both families maintain a measure of privacy.

Closed Adoptions

Though this option isn’t as common as it used to be, there are still biological parents and adoptive parents who prefer, for various reasons, to maintain a closed adoption. This is where there is no contact between families before, during, or after the adoption; no identifying information is shared. The adoptive parents will receive information about the birth mother’s social and medical history so they can be aware of anything that may affect the child’s health now or in the future.

Keep in mind that even in a closed adoption, the child may have questions as he/she grows up and could decide to search for her biological parents on her own.

Contact Adoption Choices of Texas call or text us at 945-444-0333 to discuss your options and decide if adoption is the right choice for you and your child. You are not giving up your baby, but choosing the best future for you and your child.