In an Open Adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents are in direct contact with one another and share identifying information with each other. This type of adoption may involve the methods listed above in the semi-open adoption as well as in-person visits, without going through the Agency. The plan for openness is decided and agreed upon by both the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Open adoptions allow the child to connect more easily to his or her birth parents and to maintain a relationship. Keep in mind, the level of openness is always changing and shifting throughout the adoption and after placement; relationships change as time goes on.

Advantages/Disadvantages: Open adoption allows for ongoing contact between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. This contact generally begins when the birth parent first selects the adoptive parents, and this helps to remove much of the secrecy of adoption. The openness continues as adoptive parents are able to answer questions the child may have as they grow older. Some birth parents feel that openness may be too difficult emotionally. It is important to remember than an open adoption, like all relationships, is ever changing. At times, contact may occur more often while at other times there may not be regular contact.

In a Semi-Open Adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents usually meet prior to the birth of the child, and the adoptive parents are often times present for the birth. After placement, communication, such as pictures, texting, phone calls, letters and emails, may occur. Last names and addresses of both parties are not disclosed, unless otherwise agreed upon by the birth parents and adoptive parents. This type of adoption allows for communication between the birth parents and adoptive parents while also maintaining some privacy. Keep in mind, the level of openness is always changing and shifting throughout the adoption and after placement; relationships change as time goes on.

Advantages/Disadvantages: Semi-open adoptions have the benefit of continuing contact between the birth parents and the adoptive parents but generally at a lesser degree than in a fully open adoption. For birth parents who feel contact might be too emotionally difficult, a semi-open adoption allows them to know how their child is doing by receiving updates. The child will grow up knowing who the birth parents are.

In a Closed Adoption, there is no contact between the birth parents and adoptive parents. Closed adoptions tend to be less common than open and semi-open adoptions. Generally, there is no personal information shared with either the birth parents or the adoptive parents in this type of adoption.

Advantages/Disadvantages: Many birth parents select this type of adoption as they feel that any type of openness would be too difficult emotionally. However, the child many not know the reasons the birth parents chose adoption, which can be difficult for the child. It can also be difficult for birth parents as they will not be provided information on how their child is moving forward.