What’s the Difference Between Open, Semi-Open, and Closed Adoption?

Child holding family cutout

Making the decision to put your baby up for adoption is an extremely difficult and emotional choice but will give you the opportunity to give your baby a better life and bring joy to a family looking to grow.

When you make the decision to put your baby up for adoption, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see them again. You have the following options:

  1. Open Adoption. In an open adoption, both the adoptive and expectant parents maintain ongoing and significant contact after placement. This allows you as the birth mother to fully interact with your baby even after he/she has been adopted.
  1. Semi-Open Adoption. In a semi-open adoption, expectant parents are able to see the baby but are not identified as expectant parents. Typically, the adoption agency will act as a liaison between families for ongoing contact, but if birth and adoptive parents wish for the adoption to become “open” down the road, that option is available.
  1. Closed Adoption. In a closed adoption, neither the adoptive or expectant family has contact before, during, or after the adoption is complete. All identifying information is kept confidential and although some adoptive families will receive information about the expectant parents including family medical history, all contact information is kept confidential.

If you are considering putting your baby up for adoption and want more information about open, semi-open, and closed adoption and would like help in making the decision, contact us now. We offer confidential and round the clock support, completely free of charge.