Understanding the Challenges of Closed Adoption
Adoption is a significant and life-changing decision that involves many considerations including the level of openness between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adopted child. The choice between an open or closed adoption can have profound effects on all parties involved.
We are here to help you explore the differences between open and closed adoptions, the challenges and positives of each approach, and the importance of creating a well-thought-out adoption plan to support the needs of birth mothers, adoptive parents, and adopted children. Let’s delve deeper into the complexities of open and closed adoptions and their impact on the adoption process.
Understanding the Difference: Open vs. Closed Adoption
What is an Open Adoption?
In an open adoption, there is communication and contact between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. This allows for transparency and ongoing relationships. There may be special dates or occasions that you meet in person, regular phone calls, texts or updates. With this level of openness, the opportunity for you, the family and your child to grow closer throughout the years is available.
What is a Closed Adoption?
A closed adoption involves limited or no contact between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. Information about the parties involved are kept confidential. While this level of openness is rare, some women feel more comfortable without contact at this time of their lives. Due to grief or life circumstances, a birth mother may not be ready for contact.
Challenges of a Closed Adoption
For the Birth Mother
In a closed adoption, birth mothers may experience a lack of information about their child’s well-being, potential feelings of loss and grief, and a sense of disconnection. They may miss out on the chance to feel at peace with their decision and watch their child grow in the loving home they chose.
For the Adopted Child
For the adopted child, not knowing their biological family history, medical background, or reasons for the adoption can lead to identity issues, feelings of abandonment, and a desire to know more about their roots.
Positives of a Closed Adoption
For the Birth Mother
Some Birth mothers find comfort in the privacy and protection of closed adoption, allowing them to move forward without ongoing contact. Birth mothers who are not ready for contact or communication may also find that a closed adoption gives them the space they need to find closure.
For the Adopted Child
In some cases, a closed adoption can provide a sense of stability, closure, and security for the adopted child, with clear boundaries and a focus on their current family.
The Importance of Creating an Adoption Plan
Creating an adoption plan for pregnant women is crucial as it provides a structured and supportive framework for navigating the adoption process. An adoption plan empowers a pregnant woman to make informed decisions about her pregnancy and the future of her child. By actively participating in the planning process, she gains perceived control over the adoption journey.
Developing an adoption plan allows expectant mothers to receive personalized support tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. This support can include emotional counseling, legal guidance, and assistance in selecting an adoptive family.
Birth Mother Support and Resources
Communication and understanding between the expectant mother and the adoption agency are crucial in creating an adoption plan that considers the needs and wishes of all parties involved. Providing support and resources for birth mothers can help them navigate an open or closed adoption effectively.
A Guardian Angel Adoptions has over twenty years of experience helping families through the pros and cons of adoption and understanding the importance of providing communication and support before, during, and after the adoption process. We strive to create a more supportive and compassionate environment for all individuals impacted by the adoption process.
You do not have to make these decisions or walk this adoption journey alone. A Guardian Angel Adoptions offers counseling services, financial and legal support, and educational resources to help you throughout the process. Please contact us or call at 877-742-6435, we have a compassionate staff available to you 24/7 along with experienced social workers to walk with you every step of the way.