Mediated/Semi-Open Adoption
While still somewhat of an “open adoption,” all contact and communication must go through an adoption specialist. Everything is facilitated through them or the adoption agency, leaving little identifying information available. All photos and letters sent by one party, the adoptive parents, must go through a mediator or agency. Depending on which one you are using, then they are forwarded to the birth parents and vice versa. There is no calling, texting, emailing, or meeting without the mediation of an adoption specialist.
Semi-open adoption is another popular type of adoption for birth parents who want to see their child grow but from afar. As part of the healing process, this can help the birth parents heal, knowing that their child is healthy and happy in their environment. Semi-open adoption also allows the child to learn about their roots and history, helping them feel confident they still have some connection to their birth parents and are not left in the dark entirely about them. With this type of adoption, the openness often changes over time. Sometimes communication becomes more frequent, and both parties may even feel comfortable enough to eliminate the mediator all together at some point, though that is not always the case.
Adoption is Personal
Choosing the degree of adoption and what works best for your family, whether as the birth parents or adoptive parents, is a very personal choice. Open adoption offers the most contact and openness for both parties. This is the most popular type of adoption in America.
While open adoption allows for contact between families and helps the adopted child know where they came from, there can be downfalls. Sometimes if communication is to end on one side, the child will feel rejected. If there is too much contact with the birth family, the adopted child can have difficulties assimilating with the adoptive family, confusing the child. While open adoption, on the whole, is one of the best forms of adoption, it is good to be aware of some of the downsides too.
Open adoption has many added benefits. It allows them to stay connected and feel involved in their child’s future. By choosing the family to adopt their child, birth parents will have some control over the adoptive process. Imagine the peace of mind birth parents will have to know they can choose who is adopting their child.
As adoptive parents, you will have the knowledge and connection to the biological parents. There is no need to search for adoptive parents and no guessing about the child’s background, history, or roots. With open adoption, adoptive parents will have the information for their child at their fingertips, being connected openly with the birth parents, should important questions arise they don’t have the answers to. Studies have shown that those that meet with the birth parents before the adoption officially takes place, feel much more prepared than those that do not meet the biological parents ahead of time. For families to get the chance to meet and connect, give both parties a better feel for the transition ahead.
More expectant parents choose to go this route knowing they can stay connected to their child, so more children are becoming available through adoption. This, in turn, decreases a very long wait for parents looking to adopt a child.
Work with a Reputable Adoption Agency
While the adoption process can seem overwhelming, it is best to find a reputable adoption agency. They will instruct you about getting the application process started, home visits, letters of recommendation, etc. During the home visit, the agency is looking to see if the home environment is both physically suitable and mentally stable to bring a child into. All agencies will look for emotional maturity, a stable home environment, good communication and energy, and adequate health. Income, assets, and proof of medical insurance will be gone through to ensure one can afford the child they want to adopt and take care of them.
Adoption can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months, while costs range wildly. Most open adoptions can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $49,000 with an agency. There are many different adoption agencies across the United States. Depending on what agency you use and what state you are adopting from could make these numbers vary.
Every Adoption is a Unique Experience
Each open adoption is a unique experience. Whether you adopt a baby, child, or teen, you are welcoming a new family member into your life. Through open adoption, you have the ability to stay connected to the birth parents, which can significantly help in the adoptive child’s life as they grow up. Children get curious about their birth parents, and this allows for communication and connections between them both. Whether you choose to communicate often or once in a while is up to you. Visitation can be a once-a-year get-together to connect or more frequent, is something the birth parents and adoptive parents would discuss before adopting to make sure they are on the same page as to the openness of this type of adoption.
If you are thinking of adopting, consider the transparency of open adoption and see if it is right for you and your family. Children are a blessing no matter what way you welcome them into your world.
