Open Adoption in Pennsylvania [Build Lasting Relationships]
With an open adoption, you don’t have to say “goodbye,” just “see you later.” Open adoption in Pennsylvania allows you to be involved in your child’s life while providing them with a loving family. It’s an opportunity to give your child the love and stability they deserve while still being a part of their journey.
For more information about open adoption in Pennsylvania, contact us today.
Below, we’ll provide insights into how open adoption can foster ongoing connections, support and communication, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
What Is Open Adoption?
Open adoption is defined as an arrangement where the birth parents and adoptive parents maintain contact after the adoption is finalized. You get to decide how often you communicate and what methods you use to keep in touch
For instance, you could decide to use one or more of the following options:
- Letters and photos
- Emails
- Phone calls
- Text messages
- Video calls
- In-person visits
- Social media updates
What Does Open Adoption Mean?
In an open adoption, you can choose the level of communication that you’re comfortable with. Whether you want frequent contact or just an occasional update, your preferences are at the center of the process. Your adoption agency will help you find a family that shares these preferences.
Open adoption allows you to establish a meaningful relationship with the adoptive family and, most importantly, with your child. This communication can change over time, letting you and the adoptive family adjust as needed. The flexibility of open adoption ensures that the relationship grows naturally, benefitting everyone involved.
Open vs. Closed Adoption
The key difference between open vs. closed adoption lies in the level of communication.
In a closed adoption, there is no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family after the adoption is finalized. Once the birth parents consent to the adoption and sign the paperwork, they have no way to receive updates or maintain a relationship with their child.
In contrast, open adoption keeps the lines of communication open, providing an opportunity for ongoing interaction. This can be particularly reassuring because it allows you to see how your child is doing. You won’t have to wonder if they’re happy or if you made the right choice because you’ll know for certain.
4 Benefits of Open Adoption for Birth Parents
Choosing an open adoption in Pennsylvania offers several benefits:
- Empowerment: You have control over the level of communication and involvement you want.
- Peace of mind: You can feel assured knowing your child is growing up in a loving environment.
- Connection: You can stay up-to-date with your child and watch them grow over the years.
- Relationship building: You could become an extended member of the adoptive parents’ family.
Because of the benefits of open adoption for birth mothers, some agencies only work with adoptive families who are open to some degree of communication with the expectant parents. For example, American Adoptions requires adoptive families to be open to sending photos and letters and scheduling at least one in-person visit in the first five years of the child’s life.
Moving Forward With an Open Adoption in Pennsylvania
Open adoption can be a beautiful and fulfilling option, allowing you to create a lasting bond with your child and their adoptive family. Many birth mothers have chosen this path and found it gave them a sense of peace. You can read their open adoption stories online to see how this choice has positively impacted their lives. If you’re ready to start the open adoption process in Pennsylvania, contact an agency today. An adoption professional will help you understand your options and support you every step of the way.