Define: Open Adoption

Open adoption is an arrangement in which the birth parents and adoptive parents of a child maintain some level of contact and communication following the adoption. Unlike traditional closed adoptions, where all contact between birth parents and adoptive parents is typically severed after the adoption is finalised, open adoptions allow for varying degrees of ongoing interaction, including exchanges of letters, phone calls, emails, visits, or even shared social media contact. Open adoption arrangements can benefit all parties involved, providing birth parents with the opportunity to stay informed about their child’s well-being and development, while also allowing adoptive parents to honour their child’s heritage and maintain transparency about their adoption story. Additionally, open adoptions can help adopted children develop a sense of identity and connection to their birth families, while still benefiting from the stability and support provided by their adoptive families. The terms and extent of openness in an adoption are typically agreed upon by all parties involved and may be formalized in a written agreement or contract.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.