Adoptions With Love Blog

3 Benefits of Open Adoption for the Child

Why choose open adoption? Open adoption offers many benefits for everyone involved. Birth parents choose open adoption because it means ongoing updates over the years, with a chance to build deep, meaningful relationships with their child and the adoptive family. For adoptive parents, an open adoption means having access to important medical history and background information. There are even more benefits of open adoption for a child, as well.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering adoption. Open adoption offers many benefits for expectant/birth parents. You can enjoy the freedom of continuing to pursue your personal and professional goals, all while knowing your baby is well cared for, safe, and loved. You can also take advantage of the many supportive services offered to you – at no cost. These services include counseling services, legal support, medical care, and even financial assistance. With the support of an experienced and reputable adoption agency, you can rest assured that your adoption will be handled with care and that you will be guided throughout the adoption journey.

Many expectant/birth parents worry about their baby throughout the adoption process. You may wonder: What will my child think about this adoption? What will they think about me?  What are the benefits of open adoption for the baby? You have come to the right place. Read on, as we share the reasons open adoption is often considered the best adoption option for children.

What is Open Adoption?

Having an open adoption means there is open and ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents. This type of adoption plan can look different for every family. Expectant/birth parents can choose the form of contact, such as:

  • Text messages
  • Email
  • Phone calls
  • Virtual calls
  • In-person reunions

The expectant/birth parents can also choose the frequency of communication, such as:

  • Once a month
  • 3-4 times a year
  • Once a year

Increased frequency and multiple methods of communication are available, as well. The choices are limitless when it comes to designing an open adoption plan. Your adoption agency can help you customize a plan that best meets your needs and helps you feel comfortable with – and confident in – the adoption decision.

Learn More About Open Adoption

Why is Open Adoption a Positive Choice?

Many expectant/birth parents today choose open adoption to stay in touch with their child over the years. This can offer a sense of relief to those struggling with the decision. Choosing an open adoption means never having to say goodbye. Adoption may feel, to some, like the end of a chapter, but it is – in fact – just the beginning.

3 Benefits of Open Adoption for Children

1. Identity Development

Maintaining positive relationships with the adoptive family means your child has an all-access pass to learn about their family history, background, and culture. While a closed adoption offers its own set of pros and cons, one of the cons is that children – and their adoptive families – do not have access to this information. With open, honest, and frequent conversations, your child will be secure in who they are, where they come from, and why you lovingly placed them for adoption. They will understand that you considered their needs and made the best decision for their future. Children in open adoptions have a better sense of self than those in closed adoptions – leading to better self-esteem and confidence in their circumstances.

2. Emotional Well-Being

This sense of self also gives an adopted child peace of mind. With closed adoption, there is no communication or information shared between birth and adoptive families. This can offer its own set of benefits for birth parents, particularly those looking for privacy. A child, however, may not benefit in the same way. In a closed adoption, a child may spend time questioning their adoption story and trying to figure out what events led to their placement. While we know that adoption – of any kind – is a positive, loving decision, a child who does not have the chance to meet their birth parent(s) or know anything about them may have lingering questions about their family tree. An open adoption gives a child the freedom to enjoy life with their adoptive family, never questioning their backstory. This is a positive adoption plan for a child’s mental and emotional well-being.

3. Feeling Loved

With this sense of self and peace of mind comes a deep feeling of love. Nearly all children in open adoptions today report feeling happy with their lives. They grow up experiencing productive, healthy communication between their adoptive and birth parents. This creates a warm, supportive environment for the child. A child in an open adoption grows up knowing they are loved by two families instead of one.

Make an Open Adoption Plan

If you have more open adoption questions, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can offer you the support you deserve 24/7, with no fees, judgment, or pressure. Call 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can help you design an open adoption plan and support you throughout the entire adoption journey.

Get Free Advice For Open Adoption Planning

Contact AWL