In an adoption, contact between birth parents, adoptive parents, and—as appropriate—the adopted child (also referred to as openness in adoption) allows family members to communicate and stay connected. Supporting these relationships is in the best interests of the child, and ongoing contact between adoptive and birth family members may minimize the child's feelings of grief and loss, reduce the trauma of separation, and help the child develop a stronger sense of identity. This communication may change over time and can include infrequent contact; mediated contact through a third party, email, or letters; or ongoing, in-person interaction. This section includes resources to assist in maintaining connections in adoption and creating postadoption contact agreements with your child's adoptive parents.
My Perspective on Open Adoption and Recommendations for Birthparents (PDF - 395 KB)
Hutton
Adoption Advocate, 41, 2011
Shares one birthmother's story of how and why she chose open adoption for herself and her daughter. The article also offers a series of recommendations for expectant parents who are considering making an adoption plan.
Open Adoption
American Adoption Congress
Includes articles addressing grief and open adoption; ethical considerations in open adoption practice, and legislation on open adoption agreements in California.
Open Adoption Bloggers
Features an extensive list of blogs representing the perspectives of adult adoptees, first parents, adoptive parents, adoption professionals, and family members.
Openness in Adoption: From Secrecy and Stigma to Knowledge and Connections
Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute (2012)
View Abstract and Document
Presents a report depicting how extensively adoption in the U.S. has changed over the last several decades - from a time when it was shrouded in so much secrecy that birth and adoptive families knew nothing about each other, to a new reality today in which the vast majority of infant adoptions are "open," meaning the two families have some level of ongoing relationship.