The Open Adoption Relationship

As with all relationships, open adoption requires negotiation, compromise and flexibility.

The relationship that develops between each birth and adoptive family is different. Some of these relationships grow very close and involve frequent personal contact. Others involve only occasional direct contact and regular communication by mail and phone.

The relationship may change as the families move through life, but it must always center on maintaining the adoptee's connection to his/her heritage.

Open adoption does not take away the pain of the birth or adoptive family nor does it resolve the child's feelings about having been relinquished for adoption. Each must continue to work through their feelings of grief and loss.

Open adoption is a heart-felt commitment to placing the needs of the child first. It is an agreement based on the love and respect two families, joined together by a child, share with one another.