Adoption is a beautiful way to create a family, but the journey doesn’t end with the finalization of paperwork. One option families can consider is open adoption, where birth parents and adoptive families maintain ongoing communication and a relationship. This approach offers numerous benefits that can positively impact everyone involved.

Adoption Social Worker Nicole Rancourt, LSW, shares her personal experience with open adoption:

From my experience as an adoptive parent who chose to keep our adoption open, everyone involved has benefited from this choice. We can show our daughter pictures of her birth family, so she knows where she comes from and who she looks like. We can ask her birthmother questions that our daughter may have, as well as questions about family background and medical history that we may need. We also will be able to coordinate communications between our daughter’s birthmother and our daughter when our daughter is ready to do so. Lastly, our daughter’s birthmother can watch her grow up through pictures and small stories that we share, letting her see that she is happy, healthy, and greatly loved.”

If you’re considering adoption, here are the top five benefits of an open adoption.

1. Maintained Relationships

One of the most significant advantages of open adoption is the opportunity to maintain relationships. An open adoption allows birth parents to remain part of their child’s life in a way that feels comfortable for everyone. This can foster a sense of continuity for the child, providing them with a broader support system and a richer understanding of their background. For adoptive families, this relationship can enhance the sense of community and shared purpose, leading to a more supportive family dynamic.

2. Birth Family Information and Informed Identity

Understanding one’s roots is essential for anyone, and this is especially true for adopted children. Open adoption allows access to vital birth family information, including medical history and genetic traits. This knowledge can be crucial for healthcare decisions as the child grows. Furthermore, having an ongoing connection with birth family members can help the child form a complete and informed identity, fostering a healthy sense of self.

3. Emotional Well-Being

Open adoption can significantly impact the emotional well-being of everyone involved. For children, knowing that they are loved by both their birth and adoptive families can reduce feelings of abandonment and confusion. They can grow up feeling secure in their identity and relationships. For birth parents, knowing that their child is in a loving home can bring peace and closure. Adoptive parents can also benefit from emotional reassurance, feeling more connected to their child’s origins.

4. Support Network

An open adoption can create a rich support network. With communication between birth parents and adoptive families, there’s a wealth of shared experiences and understanding that can be incredibly beneficial. Birth parents can provide unique insights into the child’s personality and preferences, while adoptive parents can share their parenting challenges and joys. This collaborative support system can be invaluable, creating a sense of community that extends beyond traditional family boundaries.

5. Normalization of Adoption

Open adoption contributes to the normalization of the adoption experience. By fostering transparency and connection, families can openly discuss adoption without stigma or secrecy. This openness helps children feel proud of their adoption story and encourages acceptance among peers. As society becomes more familiar with open adoption, it helps to dispel myths and misconceptions, leading to a broader understanding and appreciation of diverse family structures.

Adoption is a lifelong journey filled with love, challenges, and growth. An open adoption can provide an enriching experience that benefits the child, the birth family, and the adoptive family. By embracing the connection between all parties, families can create a nurturing environment that celebrates the unique story each child brings. If you’re considering adoption, think about how an open adoption might enhance your family’s experience and help foster a sense of belonging and love for everyone involved.

Are you considering adoption?

Learn more about Maine Children’s Home’s services on the Family Adoption Program webpage.

Or, reach out to Maine Children’s Home’s adoption program for more information.

Email: Adoption@MaineChildrensHome.org

Phone: 207-873-4253