A Semi-Open Adoption is a type of adoption that is not
totally open or totally closed. It
occurs when birth-parents and adoptive families share non-identifying
information or have non- identifying interaction with one another. This
interaction is usually facilitated by the adoption agency or adoption
attorney. The identity of all parties involved is kept confidential.
The degree of openness in a semi-open adoption is
pre-determined and agreed upon by both the birth-parents and adoptive parents. Non-
identifying information that may be shared between the adoptive parents and
birth-parents may include: photographs, letters, Profile Book, demographics, or phone
calls.
After surrender forms are signed, and if both parties agree,
the Adoptive Parents and Birth Mother may meet face to face for a brief time
under the supervision of the Agency. In most cases direct communication after the placement of
the child is more limited, in a way that is agreed by all parties to be
beneficial for everyone. Most often this
occurs in the form of letters or cards that are sent and received via the
adoption agency.
With semi-open adoption there are a number of advantages for
all members of the adoption tirade: birth parents, adoptive parents, and
the adopted child. Background
information on the child’s birth parents may include a social, educational and
health history. It may also be possible to maintain contact with the Birth Family.
Labels: Adoption 101, adoption facts, Babies, Birthparents, Domestic Adoption, Domestic verus International, Infertility, Mom's, Parenting, Pre-adoption Education, Semi-Open Adoption, Single Parent