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What Is The Difference Between Open And Closed Adoption
Women who are pregnant and feel they will be unable to raise the child can look at adoption as a suitable alternative. There are two main variants of adoption namely open and closed. So, what is the difference between open and closed adoption? Here are some of the salient differences.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption scenario, identifying information like addresses and names of both the birthmother and the adoptive parents are exchanged. Thus, in such a scenario, both the adoptive parents and the birthmother know all about each other. Exchange of contact details makes it possible for both parties to contact each other at any point of time. The main difference between open and closed adoption is that in open adoption, the child can track their biological parents easily. All information, including name changes is documented so the child can locate their real parents.
Closed Adoption
In the case of closed adoption, there is no exchange of contact or personal information between the two parties involved. All the contact happens via the adoption agency and certain other details might be shared depending on whatever the parents deem suitable. Thus, in terms of what is the difference between open and closed adoption, with a closed adoption, the child has less of a chance to find out who their biological parents are. Any changes that are made are permanent and usually such records about the adoption are sealed. Recovery of original documents in such instances becomes all the more difficult.
Variations Involved
In both closed as well as open adoption, there could be some variations. For example, in both the situations, the biological parent could continue to be a part of the life of the child. Pictures could be exchanged and holidays could be celebrated between both families. It all depends on what agreement the adoptive parents and the birthmother conclude upon. In the case of an independent adoption where the birthmother does not approach an agency, there is scope for more flexibility in the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Semi-Open Adoption
This is a bridge between open and closed adoption scenarios. In such instances, the birthmother as well as the adoptive parents knows essential information about one another. However, complete contact information will not be shared between the parties in such an arrangement. Both families will speak to each other before the child is born but a certain degree of confidentiality will be ensured. Once the child is in the care of the adoptive parents, the birthmother can continue to remain in touch with the child by means of exchange of pictures or shared holidays. However, this correspondence is supervised by the adoption agency.
The key parameter as to what is the difference between open and closed adoption remains in the extent to, which information is shared between both parties. However, sometimes both the families might find an open arrangement more suitable as they get to know each other better. This arrangement is also conducive to the child's development as they know who their biological parents are.