Maine Open Adoption Agency Guide

The decision to place a baby for adoption is a positive one. While it may not be easy, this decision comes from a place of love, selflessness, and deep devotion. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine, you may be considering this option. Deciding to lovingly make an adoption plan can be made easier with the support of a Maine open adoption agency. What is open adoption, and how does it work in Maine? Read on, as we break down the basics and explain how an open adoption agency can support you throughout this journey.

What is Open Adoption in Maine?

Open adoption can look different for everyone, but essentially, it means there is ongoing contact between birth and adoptive parents after your baby is placed with the adoptive family. This is the most common type of adoption plan today.

Your adoption plan may look different than another birth parent’s open adoption plan. They can vary based on the form and frequency of communication. With a Maine open adoption, you can choose to maintain contact via:

• Text Messages
• Online picture portals
• Email
• Phone calls
• Virtual calls
• In-person visits

You may decide to communicate once per month, per quarter, once a year, the frequency of contact is also in your hands. Your Maine open adoption agency can help you custom design the plan that works best for you and helps you feel comfortable with and confident in your decision, but the choices are all yours.

With a closed adoption, there is no communication, and no personal information exchanged between the birth and adoptive parents. If you initially choose a closed adoption, there is an opportunity to open it up at a later date.

Open adoption is all about building deep and meaningful relationships. One of the beauties of having an open adoption is maintaining contact with your child’s adoptive parents. Many birth mothers consider this a benefit, as they do not have to say “goodbye forever.” They can see their child grow and help give the adoptive family medical and background information that, in turn, benefits the child. The adopted child also grows up knowing their adoption story and understanding that they are loved by two families instead of one.

To build and strengthen this bond, birth and adoptive parents should have ongoing, open, and honest conversations. This ongoing contact and mutual respect are the keys to a successful open adoption.

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How Does Open Adoption Work in Maine?

Open adoption offers expectant/birth mothers peace of mind and comfort to know they will continue to stay connected with their baby throughout childhood.

Another part of the open adoption process that brings peace of mind is the Home Study. This is a process that adoptive families must complete before adopting a child. It takes several months to complete. It includes thorough background checks and screenings, multiple at-home visits and interviews, and the review of important financial and medical documents. This process ensures that every family is healthy enough to adopt and raise a child – physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially.

Your Maine open adoption is arranged much like any other legal document. You, the birth parent, can choose the form and frequency of communication for this plan. Once it is agreed upon by the adoptive family, your adoption agency can write up the open adoption plan in a contract. Both parties sign the document, but this can be changed at any time to accommodate the evolving relationships and the changing needs of a growing child.