Wyoming Open Adoption Agency Guide

What is Open Adoption?

Open adoption means there is open communication between birth and adoptive families, both before and after the adoption is finalized. That arrangement can look different for everyone, depending on their needs and comfort level. At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers have the power to design the type of adoption plan that works best for them.

For many expectant/birth mothers, open adoption involves:

• Selecting the adoptive family for their baby
• Communicating directly with the adoptive family, and – if desired – meeting them prior to baby’s arrival
• Maintaining a relationship with the baby’s adoptive family throughout the years

In choosing an open adoption, you are also opening the door to many other positive decisions. Many expectant/birth mothers who have established a relationship with their child’s adoptive parents also choose to include them in the baby’s arrival. You may wish to allow them in the delivery room at the hospital or birthing center. Of course, this will depend on your comfort level, and you may base this decision on how close a bond you have formed with them. You can decide whether you want time alone with the baby, or if you would like the adoptive parents to be there with you. Every detail may be planned before the baby’s birth. If you are making your adoption plan from your hospital bed or after the baby’s birth, that is okay, too. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

In making an open adoption plan, you can decide on the type of communication you would like to have. Remember, this is YOUR adoption plan. You may choose to connect with the family via FaceTime or Skype, text messages, or email. There are also more traditional ways of communicating with your child’s adoptive family, such as snail mail, phone calls, or in-person visits. Ask yourself what you feel most comfortable with and what will be best for your baby now.

Open adoption is not right for everyone. If you decide you are more comfortable with a closed adoption plan – in which no identifying information is revealed – this is okay, too. You can always open your adoption down the road if you wish. As an open adoption agency serving Wyoming, every hopeful adoptive family at Adoptions With Love agrees to having at least a semi-open adoption plan.

At Adoptions With Love, your adoption counselor can help you negotiate the type of adoption plan you want. Open adoption agreements are written with room for change throughout your child’s upbringing.

Benefits of Open Adoption in Wyoming

Open adoption has benefits for all people involved in the adoption triad.

Peace of Mind for Birth Parents

Many birth parents feel that it gives them peace of mind, knowing how their child is growing and developing over the years. They can continue a loving and understanding relationship with their child and communicate a positive story about why they chose adoption.

Open Communication for Adoptive Families

Adoptive parents enjoy communicating their love, joy, and pride in their child. They will love to share updates, photos, and memories with you! Open adoption also benefits adoptive families, in that it gives them access to the best resource for information about their child. When questions about their child’s background and family history come up, they can turn to you.

Benefits for the Adopted Child

The most important person to benefit from an open adoption, of course, is the child. Open adoption fills the “missing pieces” that some children may feel when they are adopted. They will learn about their biological family and history. This can contribute to a greater sense of self and identity, as they grow up having important answers about where they come from and who they are. In open adoption arrangements, children also grow up understanding their adoption story and their birth mother’s choice. Studies show that children who meet their birth mothers in person have the highest level of satisfaction or happiness in their adoption arrangements.

Overall, about 95 percent of children who were adopted (over age 5) have positive feelings about their adoption. They are more likely to be read to, sung to, and told stories every day. They are also more likely to have dinner at the table with their family most nights of the week.

If you are considering open adoption in Wyoming, it can give you peace of mind to know the positive effects that open adoption can have on a child’s life and well-being.

Understanding Open Adoption Agencies

Role of an Adoption Agency in Wyoming

An adoption agency works to place children with their adoptive families. This professional works with birth parents and adoptive parents, offering legal services to oversee the adoption process and supportive services for birth mothers.

Open vs. Closed Adoption

With an open adoption, there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents. This may include phone calls, text messages, emails, or in-person visits. The form and frequency may be chosen by the birth parent(s), but both parties agree to the terms in a signed post-adoption contract agreement. This agreement is a legally binding document, but it may be tweaked over the years to accommodate the changing needs of a growing child and evolving relationships.

A closed adoption, as it may sound, involves zero contact or information between birth and adoptive parents. This may be the right choice for a birth parent looking for privacy and a fresh start after the adoption is complete. Most adoptions today are open adoptions, but there is no right or wrong way to make an adoption plan.

How to Choose an Open Adoption Agency

When considering adoption, look for a Wyoming adoption agency that can offer you the supportive services you need and deserve. This should include counseling services – before and after the adoption is complete – legal support, financial assistance, and ongoing support over the years. A birth mother should never pay for any of these services. It is also important to choose an adoption agency that will respect your wishes and treat you with the love, respect, and compassion you need during this difficult time in your life.

Learn More About Wyoming Open Adoption

How Does the Wyoming Open Adoption Process Work?

Selecting an Agency

The first step, when placing a baby for adoption in Wyoming, is to choose your adoption agency. This professional should meet your needs and guide you every step of the way.

Select an Adoptive Family

One of the many benefits of adoption is having the right to choose your child’s adoptive family. You can browse the adoptive family profiles available with your adoption agency. These profiles give you a glimpse of the couples and individuals looking to adopt. They usually include photos, letters, and background stories. You can speak with – or meet – a prospective adoptive family before making your decision.

Create an Adoption Plan

Another benefit of choosing adoption is having the right to design an adoption plan that best meets your needs. At Adoptions With Love, you can choose from the following:

• Open adoption
• Semi-open adoption
• Closed adoption

Remember, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to your adoption plan. Your Wyoming adoption agency can help you custom build a plan that makes you feel comfortable with and confident in the adoption plan.

Finalization of Adoption

Once a birth mother has signed consent to the adoption, after a prescribed amount of time (depending on where the adoption will be finalized), the paperwork will be filed in family court where a judge will make the adoption official. Of course, adoption is a lifelong journey. It does not end once the court is adjourned. You will have support and communication in the years ahead with a supportive adoptive agency.

Preparing for Wyoming Open Adoption

Emotional Preparation for Birth Parents

Facing an unplanned pregnancy and adoption decision is hard. It can be comforting to know that you are not alone. You should not have to face this experience on your own. Adoptions With Love offers compassionate counseling – at no cost to the expectant/birth mother – before and after the adoption. This can help you process your emotions and prepare for the journey ahead.

Preparing for Post-adoption Contact

Once you have designed your adoption plan, you can begin to prepare for the birth and the post-adoption contact with your child’s adoptive family. The relationship you build with your child’s adoptive parents is as unique as you. You may find that you have an awkward start, or you may have an instant connection. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of time to build a solid foundation. With the help and support of your adoption agency, you can get there.

Finding the Right Wyoming Open Adoption Agency

Research Agencies

Before choosing your Wyoming adoption agency, you can spend some time researching the perfect organization. Search for adoption agencies and browse their websites. You can read testimonials from birth mothers who have worked with the adoption agency, as well, to get an idea of what your experience may be like.

Questions to Ask Potential Agencies

• What types of services do you offer to expectant/birth mothers?
• How frequently will we connect?
• What type of adoption plans do you offer?
• How do you screen your adoptive families?
• What happens after adoption?

Frequently Asked Questions about Wyoming Open Adoption

Are open adoption agreements legally binding in Wyoming?

Yes. An open adoption agreement is a legally binding contract, but this contract may be changed over the years to accommodate evolving relationships and a growing adopted child.

What if there are disagreements or conflicts in an open adoption arrangement?

Your adoption agency can help with conflict resolutions between birth and adoptive parents. Adoptions With Love stays connected with families for years to come and offers ongoing support for any potential challenges.

Where can I get more information about open adoption in Wyoming?

If you would like to learn more about open adoption, contact Adoptions With Love. You can get the information you need, commitment-free, before making any decisions about your pregnancy.