Domestic Adoption - Types of Adoption

Open – In an open adoption, there is contact between the birth family and adoptive family. Open adoption may include the birthparents participating in the selection of the family, meeting the family, and staying in touch over the years. This may include letters and pictures being exchanged, or even ongoing meetings. Both birthparents and adoptive parents are educated and counseled about how much openness is right for them. Both learn about the many ways that openness is beneficial to children. Both choose the amount of openness in their adoption planning.

Traditional – In a traditional adoption, only non-identifying social/medical information is shared about the birth family. There is no ongoing contact.

Identified – Personally arranged, or identified, adoptions occur when birthparents and adoptive parents find each other outside of the agency. They may know each other personally or be matched by an intermediary. These adoptions offer many benefits to both birthparents and adoptive parents. There is the reassurance that comes from knowing that each chose the other to develop a special adoption plan. The Beginnings staff can provide the counseling, education, and legal process for all parties to make this plan a reality.

Source: Adapted from the Adoption Fact Book, National Council for Adoption

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