Choosing adoption puts you in charge of every aspect of the process, including what kind of contact you would like with the adoptive family after placement is complete.

If you think you’ll want to stay in touch in the coming days, months and years with your baby and the adoptive family, open adoption in Rhode Island is your chance to do so. Contact us online to learn more about the decisions that you will make during this journey. 

This article explores the benefits of open adoption for birth parents and how it can result in lifelong, meaningful relationships.

What is Open Adoption in Rhode Island?

The majority of modern day adoptions are open to some extent. Open adoption allows you to maintain a connection with your child and the adoptive family after placement if you choose.

What an open adoption in Rhode Island ultimately looks like is determined by both parties but once an agreement is made, they are legally enforceable.

Your post-placement communication could look like:

• Photos
• Letters
• Mail
• Email
• Text
• Phone calls
• Video chats

Although closed adoptions have been the norm in the past 95% are open to some degree, giving you the chance to be involved in your child’s life if you want.

What Does Open Adoption Mean for Me?

The definition of open adoption can go beyond just staying in touch after placement. You can build a lifelong bond with your child and the adoptive family.

Birth mothers can choose a closed adoption for any number of reasons, whether it’s an opportunity to bring them closure or if they simply prefer not to share personal information with the child or adoptive family.

But for you, open adoption means:

• Your child understanding their background and history
• Receiving pictures and letters to watch your child grow
• Providing potentially life-saving medical history information in emergencies

Helina, a birth mother, chose open adoption and cultivated a great relationship with the adoptive family.

“About two weeks after leaving the hospital, I got my first email from Jen. It was so great to hear from them. We emailed on a weekly basis. A year after (my son) was born, I was able to travel to Philadelphia and visit with them,” said Helina. “We went to the zoo, children’s museum, and went out a few times. They welcomed me with open arms. The following year, I was able to see them three or four times. Each year, to this day, I am able to travel to Philadelphia to see them.

Their relationship continued to blossom as the years went on.

“We are a close family now. My children know that (my son) is their brother. This past June, Jen and Pete came to Florida for a long weekend. It was a great time. I enjoyed watching (my son) and my children interact. They were able to see my son play baseball, and we went to Orlando for a few days.”

As open adoption is something that’s ultimately up to you, you are in control of the level and type of communication.  This ensures as much, or as little contact, as you’re comfortable with.

If open adoption for birth mothers in Rhode Island is something you want to be a part of, your adoption professional can make that happen.

When you create your adoption plan with an adoption agency, they’ll only show you matches that align with the preferences stated in your plan.

Open Vs. Closed Adoption in Rhode Island

Choosing adoption means is a decision that puts the wants and needs of your baby first. It’s a brave, selfless decision.

When it comes to open vs. closed adoption in Rhode Island, it’s about doing what’s best for you.

In addition to the earlier stated benefits for open adoption and what it means for you, choosing open adoption can also provide you with:

• A better peace of mind once you see how your baby is doing.
• Your child not having to struggle to open their adoption records, which can be difficult, depending on which state they’re in.
• The ability to talk to your child and even see them in person. As long as you and the adoptive family agree on the amount of contact, you can see each other as often as you would like.

A closed adoption could be right for you if you think it will allow you to find closure and heal after the adoption. Maybe you don’t want to share any personal information about yourself.

Whatever your reasoning for choosing open vs. closed adoption comes down to doing whatever is best for your situation and that’s something only you can know. 

Fill out our online contact form to get more free information about open vs. closed adoption in Rhode Island.

Semi-Open Adoption in Rhode Island

Choosing open adoption in some form, like semi-open adoption, allows for the potential of a relationship with your child and the adoptive family down the road if you aren’t ready for contact right now.

In a semi-open adoption, the adoptive family will share information with you and have some level of contact, but it’s usually mediated through an intermediary, like an adoption agency.

Personal contact is limited and there’s more structure than an open adoption where both parties can agree on what works best.

Contact Us Today

Adoption is a courageous, loving decision that puts you in control of your story. Each journey is unique, and we’re here for yours.

Open adoption in Rhode Island gives you the opportunity to maintain a lifelong connection with your child.

How to Start the Adoption Process in Rhode Island?

• Step 1: Contact an adoption professional.
• Step 2: Create an adoption plan.
• Step 3: Choose the perfect adoptive family.
• Step 4: Get to know the adoptive family (if you want)
• Step 5: Plan for birth and life after placement.

Reach out to us to find out more about adoption agencies and how they can help you find the perfect adoptive family.