 |
|
Semi-Open Adoption |
A
semi-open adoption allows for minimal contact with the birth
parents. It does not allow for birth parents to be involved in the
daily life of a child. However it does allow the parents to give
information to the adopted child on their biological background
and heritage.
The birthparents choose a family from written non-identifying
material provided by an adoption agency. A third party then
mediates the contact between the parties before and after the
birth. Birthparents and adoptive parents know each other by their
first names only. Adoptive parents may be present at the birth and
may meet the birthparents before the birth. All correspondence is
sent through the third party. Post-placement meetings are arranged
and supervised by the mediator. Adoptive parents often share the
pictures, letters, etc. with the birthparents.
The advantage of this arrangement is that both families have the
opportunity to develop a relationship over time. A semi-open
adoption gives both parties the freedom to communicate with the
assistance of a trained mediator. Current information can be
passed on easily, over any period of time.
|
Pros
of Confidential Adoption for the involved parties |
|
Birth Parents |
|
- |
Allows for some
information transfer between birth and adoptive parents
(and perhaps the child). |
|
- |
Some privacy. |
|
|
Adoptive Parents |
|
- |
Greater sense of
control over process. |
|
- |
Roles may be more
clearly defined than in either confidential or open
options. |
|
- |
Increased sense of
entitlement compared to confidential adoptions. |
|
- |
Enhanced ability to
answer child's questions about his or her history. |
|
|
Adopted Persons |
|
- |
Genetic and birth
history known. |
|
- |
Birthparents are
"real" not "fantasy." |
|
- |
Positive adjustment
is promoted in adoptee. |
|
|
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