What Are the Different Types of Adoptions?

With an unplanned pregnancy, it can be easy to want to delay the decision-making process. We understand and want to help. Adoption could be a great fit for you. You may be considering adoption because:

• You want to give your baby life, but you don’t feel ready to parent
• Your living situation is not fit for raising a child
• You desire to provide for your child financially and emotionally but are unable to yourself
• You want your child to have two parents involved in his or her life

Motherhood looks different for every woman. Adoption is a selfless and loving decision for you, the adoptive parents, and your child. There are many kinds of adoptions that allow you to have the type of relationship you desire with your child. As the birth mother, the adoption plan is entirely up to you. You are in control.

Different Types of Adoptions

If you are exploring the idea of adoption due to financial hardship, a complicated life situation, or your age, you have options. With any adoption, the birth mother (and birth father, if available) makes an adoption plan for their child with the help of an adoption agency or legal representative. Let’s get into some of the different types of adoption:

Open Adoption

Most adoptions today are called “open adoptions.” With this adoption type, you get to have regular contact with your child and the adoptive family of your choosing. You and the adoptive family will exchange contact information and other information you both would like to know.

You then discuss how often you will see your child and come to an agreement. Many times, the birth mother becomes a part of the adoptive family with close communication and events. You decide how much you want to be involved and what’s most comfortable for all of you.

Semi-Open Adoption

If you like the idea of communicating with the adoptive family but don’t want to give out your contact information, you may consider a semi-open adoption.  This type of adoption gives you the freedom to choose the type of communication you want with your child. Communication is usually mediated by the adoption agency and is usually through phone calls, emails, letters, and pictures through the agency.  A semi-open adoption makes it possible to keep your identity private while still allowing you contact with your child and their family.  Visits can be scheduled and attended by this adoption professional.  If both parties decide it would be comfortable, they can decide to have the adoption become open.

Closed Adoption

Closed adoption is rare but it is a viable option if it suits you better. This involves the process of an adoption agency choosing a family for you. If you do not want contact with the adoptive family or your child at this time, this may be the option for you. It’s totally ok to remain anonymous.

You may want to work with an adoption agency to find an adoptive family. If so, know ahead of time that the adoptive family goes through an extensive process to be approved. Background checks, including criminal and abuse records, are done. The family must fill out a lengthy questionnaire about their home life, hobbies, religion, and more. Plus, they create a family portfolio. By the end of the process, you will have a good idea if the family is a good match.

Who Pays Expenses

If you work with an adoption agency or attorney, you can receive financial assistance for medical, legal, counseling fees, and possibly living expenses. Any reputable agency or attorney will ask nothing of you financially. You should pay nothing.

Is Adoption for You?

You may need adoption advice to make a confident decision. Our team at Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic is here to help you understand this option more fully. We can also connect you to valuable resources to learn more about adoption.

Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment to talk to one of our caring and professional case managers to further explore this option. We are here to help so you can make a fully informed decision and have support along the way.