If you’re looking into adoption, you may have questions about what happens after placement. Will you know how your child is doing? Can you stay in contact? Will your child know who you are?
Open adoption is one way birth parents and adoptive families can remain connected after an adoption. The amount and type of contact can vary, which gives families room to create an arrangement that fits their circumstances.
Albemarle Pregnancy Resource Center and Clinic can help you learn more about adoption and connect you with adoption professionals who can explain the process. Schedule a free, confidential appointment today, and read on to learn more about open adoption.
How Does Open Adoption Work?
In an open adoption, the birth parent and adoptive family have some form of ongoing contact. What that looks like differs from one adoption to another.
For example, contact might include photos and letters, phone or video calls, text messages, or visits. Some birth parents develop an ongoing relationship with the adoptive family, while others prefer less frequent communication.
If you make an adoption plan, you may also be able to review profiles of prospective adoptive families and choose the family you believe is right for your child. An adoption professional can explain what choices are available in your particular situation.
Is an Open Adoption Legally Enforceable in North Carolina?
This is an important question to ask before making an adoption plan.
Under North Carolina law, an agreement between a birth parent and prospective adoptive parents regarding future visitation or communication is generally not legally enforceable. This means birth parents considering a private open adoption should speak with a licensed adoption professional or attorney about how future contact could be handled.
However, there is a limited exception. State law allows court-approved, mediated post-adoption contact agreements in certain cases involving children who are in the custody of a county department of social services. Those court-approved agreements can provide for specific forms of contact, including visits and the exchange of information, letters, electronic communication, or phone calls.
Because the legal rules depend on the circumstances of the adoption, getting advice specific to your situation is important.
What About Semi-Open or Closed Adoption?
Open adoption isn’t your only choice. A semi-open adoption typically involves more limited contact, which may be handled through an adoption agency or another intermediary. A closed adoption generally involves little or no ongoing communication between the birth and adoptive families.
Learning about each arrangement can help you think about how much contact you would want after placement.
Learn More About Adoption
You don’t need to know whether adoption is right for you before asking questions about it. Understanding open, semi-open, and closed adoption can give you a better idea of what making an adoption plan could involve.
We can discuss adoption, provide referrals, and ensure your questions are answered. Only you can decide if adoption is a path you’d like to pursue. But our caring team can point you toward resources that can help you make a decision.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment with us today. We’re here to help.
