Hello again, well today I want to talk a little about the different types of adoption. There are many ways you can go such as, Open adoption, Closed adoption, Semi-open adoption, Trans racial adoption, Older/special needs adoption, Single parent/ same sex adoption, and Step parent/ family adoption. I am going to talk about the most common types of adoption today which is Open, Closed, and Semi-open adoptions.
The first ones I am going to talk about is Closed adoption. This is the form of adoption where there is no communication between the birth families and the adoptive families. This type of adoption was very popular in the 80's and before when adoption was still quite Taboo in our society. Now days this type of adoption is not as widely used but it is still out there. When going through a Closed adoption there is no contact information given to either party prior to of after the placement of the child. The Wikipedia definition of closed adoption is: the process by where the infant is adopted by a family and the records of the natural parents are kept sealed. There is no interaction of any kind between the birth parents and the adoptive parents.
Why choose this choice? Well, this type of adoption may give the birth mother a sense of closure so she may be able to move on with her life. It also may give both parties a sense of privacy, as some people in our society may still think of the process of adoption taboo or inappropriate, this may help to stay confidential. It also may give the adoptive family a sense of freedom. It gives them a chance to do with the child what they please without the birth family involved. You also have to think about the child's well being. This may give the child a sense of stability. The child will not have any doubt who his/her legal parents are without many unanswered questions. This is one of the less used types of adoptions now days but it is very effective in a situation where the birth mother or the adoptive parents want to stay confidential.
The next type of adoption is an Open adoption. This is where both parties may speak prior to the baby being born. The families may have face to face visits, exchange contact information, and agree to periodic visits once the placement of the child is final. This type of adoption is widely used in the placement of a child to family members or friends.
Why this choice? This type of adoption may give the birth mother a sense of control. She is probably feeling pretty helpless and out of control up to this point, so it would be a nice change of pace for her to be able to choose the potential adoptive parents and have something to do with the baby after the birth. This type of adoption may also reduce the risks of uncertainties. The birth parents may check on the child's well being from time to time. The birth parents may also establish a healthy relationship with the child and bond with him/her. The adoptive parents will be fully medically informed. A medical overview is done prior to the placement of the child, but this may give some clarification if it is not in the overview.
The last type of adoption I am going to talk about in this post is the Semi-open adoption. this is the adoption I took place in. A semi-open adoption is when there is interaction that is filtered by a third party. Most likely an adoption agency or an adoption lawyer. Interaction may include letters, cards, pictures, emails, and perhaps a face to face meeting hosted by the third party. This type of adoption emphases the "privacy" rather than the "confidentiality". Direct communication after the baby is born is more limited and is still facilitated by the third party.
Why this choice? The birth parents have the ability to review, interview and select the adoptive parents so that may give them a sense of empowerment and control. This type of adoption may also improve the mourning process by being able to receive updates on the baby's well being and maybe some pictures. The birth mother may be feeling guilty at this point for making what some people may classify as a "selfish" decision, now personally I think this is one of the most selfless choices you will make in your life, but just as there is a debate on abortion there is still a debate on weather adoption is appropriate too. If guilty is what she is feeling this may help her see that the baby is being well taken care of and is leading a life she may never be able to offer.This choice may also define the roles as adoptive or "legal" parents and birth parents. There is no grey area and the adoptive parents may be able to take on the role as parents without the birth parents always around. This may also limit the confusion for the baby.
As I mentioned earlier there are many more types of adoption, and i will go into depth with those in future posts but I hope this clarifies what the differences are and makes your choice a little easier!
See you soon!
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