Over the last 20 years, infant domestic adoption has experienced a fundamental shift in how it is carried out. From closed adoptions, in which neither the birth mother nor the adoptive parents knew much about each other, has sprung open adoptions, which allow the birth mother and parents to learn about each other and even remain in contact over the years.

1. Open Adoption FAQs
Over the last 20 years, infant domestic adoption has experienced a fundamental shift in how it is
carried out. From closed adoptions, in which neither the birth mother nor the adoptive parents knew
much about each other, has sprung open adoptions, which allow the birth mother and parents to learn
about each other and even remain in contact over the years.
Open adoption often elicits questions and concerns from adoptive parents and birth mothers alike.
Following are answers to a few of the most common questions about open adoption.
What is an open adoption?
An open adoption is any adoption in which the birth parents and the adoptive parents learn something
about each other. Because each adoption is different, every open adoption looks a little different from
the rest. However, in general, the following elements are present in an open adoption:
The birth mother chooses the adoptive parents.
In an open adoption, the birth mother is given a high level of control over who adopts her child.
She typically chooses from among a set of family profiles provided by the adoption
organization that is working with her. She may also meet with potential adoptive families.

2. The birth mother and adoptive parents learn about each other.
The birth mother learns the adoptive parents' names and other information about them so she
can make her choice regarding who should adopt her child. In turn, the adoptive parents learn
certain information about the birth mother, such as her medical history.
The birth mother and adoptive parents maintain a level of contact.
The exact level of contact maintained between the birth mother and the adoptive parents varies
widely and is largely dependent upon the preferences of the birth mother and the adoptive
parents. The contact can be as limited as the initial contact during the adoption and as
extensive as a permanent relationship between the birth mother and the adoptive family.
How open are open adoptions?
As mentioned above, the level of openness in each adoption depends upon the desires of the birth
mother and of the adoptive family. There are many different options that can be dependent on your
specific needs. For instance, the birth mother may be satisfied with choosing the adoptive parents and
discontinuing contact afterward. Alternatively, some families enjoy close relationships with the birth
mothers throughout the years. Many open adoptions find a middle ground that consists of a
combination of letters, emails, phone calls, and visits. The participants in the adoption can receive
guidance in setting the parameters of the adoption through the adoption agency. Most adoption
programs in San Antonio that offer open adoption are also equipped to walk the families through the
process of determining what form those adoptions should take.

3. What are the advantages of open adoption?
Open adoption has many advantages for everyone involved in the adoption process. For instance,
birth mothers experience a sense of empowerment and improved self-esteem because they are able
to play a role in what happens to their child. The ability to choose their child's forever family and
remain in contact with their child if they wish also allows them to more quickly work through the grief
that comes with placing their child for adoption than they would have if they had engaged in a closed
adoption.
Adoptive parents also enjoy a number of benefits from open adoptions. One of the primary of these
benefits is that they obtain the birth parents' medical histories. With this medical information, they can
make more informed and confident decisions about their child's care. In addition, the adoptive parents
may also gain greater confidence in their parenting, because of the knowledge that they were chosen
specifically by the birth mother.
The adopted children enjoy the most benefits from open adoptions. They get to enjoy a lack of secrecy
surrounding their adoption, and, when questions arise about their birth parents and their past, they
have easy access to that information. In adoptions that are very open, the children also get to enjoy
close relationships with their birth parents, which can come to feel like extended family members. The
result is that the children experience a wealth of love and a plentiful source of information about their
past as they grow up.

4. What are the challenges of open adoption?
Open adoption does come with challenges, as do any of the other types of adoption. For instance, at
times, the relationships among the adoptive families, birth parents, and children may become strained.
Personalities may sometimes clash. However, post adoption services provided by the adoption
agency can offer families support and counseling to work through these relationship issues if they
arise.
Can a birth mother in an open adoption take her child back?
One fear that adoptive families may have regarding open adoption is that the birth mother will decide
to take the child back at a later date. The reality, however, is that just as in any adoption; the adopted
child becomes the legal child of the adoptive family. As a result, the birth mother may enjoy a
relationship with the child that is beneficial for everyone involved without concerns on the adoptive
family's side that she could change her mind about the adoption.
Open adoption offers so many advantages for the birth mothers, adoptive families, and children that it
is well worth the changes in adoption procedures that have taken place over the last 20 years. By
providing a way for birth parents and adoptive parents to connect and to provide children with a
thorough understanding of their past, it helps improve the adoption experience for everyone involved.
About Action Adoption at Providence Place
Placing a child for adoption is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Are you
contemplating this loving option? Do you have any idea about how or where to start? Action Adoption
at Providence Place in San Antonio can help. We will guide you through the process while making
sure all your questions are answered. Contact us today to learn more.