Open Adoption: What it is and Why it’s the Preferred Option
Going through the adoption process might alarm you at first. There are certainly a lot of details to iron out as you go along. However, Adoption Choices of Colorado is here to take some of that stress away and help you figure out your path. A number of potential birth mothers worry about never seeing their child again, which is totally okay and understandable. Luckily, while moving on from your child is an option, there are far more welcoming options these days where you can remain in contact. Let’s talk about why open adoption is best if you want to leave the doors of communication wide open.
I Know Nothing About Open Adoption, so What Exactly is it?
If you are looking for the basics, then you have come to the right place. In most cases, there are three types of adoption, all of which pertain to different levels of communication between you, your child, and your child’s adoptive family.
First, there is closed adoption. If you sought this particular blog post out, then this likely is not the option for you. This is for birth mothers who choose to move on completely from their child, for one reason or another. It isn’t inherently a bad choice, but it is usually not recommended unless your situation really calls for it.
Second, there is semi-open adoption. Here, there is more communication between you and your child’s adoptive family so that you may be able to plan visits or keep up with growth and progress. However, it is important to understand that this is not an option of perfectly direct communication — Adoption Choices of Colorado would essentially play the role of mediator and act as a buffer or a third party between you and the other party.
Finally, there is open adoption. This one actually is about as close as you will get to direct communication. You’ll be able to talk with your child’s adoptive family and not have to go through a third party to do so. When we talk about why open adoption is best, this reason is primarily why it gets the crown.
Do I Get to Choose What Adoption Type I Want?
Before you start thinking that this is all luck-of-the-draw, yes, you do get to pick the adoption type that works best for you. The adoption type you want is usually paired with a family, so you also get to select what family you would like to raise your child. Your influence means a lot when it comes to the adoption process and, based on your choices, you will hopefully be well on your way to creating dynamic connections with people who are on the same page as you.
What Are Some Other Benefits of Open Adoption Besides More Communication?
Honestly, most or even all of the benefits fit under the umbrella of “more communication”. By seeing your child at least somewhat regularly, you will be able to create more of a close relationship with them as they grow up. You can teach them about your interests, their ancestry, or more — all without being absent from their life. You’ll also get to make new connections, like with your child’s adoptive family. Odds are you will disagree on things, but you’ll have the opportunity to feel out new connections and get to know new people. You can plan joint events or holidays as well. Really, the benefit of communication means that you will have so many more opportunities to socialize with your child and know about their world. It is essentially the gift of shared time and you can help decide how to spend it — that is why open adoption is best.
If I Want to Take My First Step With the Adoption Process, What Should I Do?
If you visit the official website of Adoption Choices of Colorado, we have a form that you can fill out. Once you send it in, we will contact you and assign you a case worker if you choose us to represent you on your adoption journey. From there, we have a lot of ways to help you minimize stress. We can help you figure out your plan without you worrying about having to come up with one from scratch. Our strategies are based in many successful adoption stories, so from day one we will be there for you and be ready to assist you as best we can.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about your adoption options, contact Adoption Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Meet the Author: Nathan Dyer is a university student majoring in Communication Arts with a radio/TV/film focus. He enjoys writing professionally and dealing with hands-on problems in real-world scenarios. Among his hobbies is hiking, which always encourages him to explore new places. He looks forward to crafting written materials in the future that serve to help people from all walks of life.
Stephanie joined the Adoption Choices family in 2014 as the Child Placement Supervisor. Her love for adoption began in first grade when she made friends with twins adopted from Vietnam. Her heart grew strong over the years for adopted children and ultimately led her to graduate school where she continued her focus to her dream of working in the adoption field. Stephanie earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2001. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked as a pregnancy counselor and as an adoptive parent counselor for foster care, international adoption and domestic adoption, writing hundreds of home studies for families, and helping build their forever families. Stephanie is married and has three boys ages 12, 9, and 5. Together with her family she enjoys riding bike, playing games, watching her three sons compete in their various sporting and musical activities and go on vacations.
Christy Ikeler, is our Executive Director and Birth Parent Director. Christy has been with Adoption Choices Team for 18 years, since opening the doors in 2002! Christy has a true passion for what she does and her true love is working with and helping each birth parent. Whether she is up all night on the phone talking with them, taking them to doctors appointments, out for their favorite treat, providing counseling or at the hospital during labor and delivery, Christy is very involved every step of the way. She has a contagious laugh and a spunky personality that our birth moms all can bond with and relate to. As an adoptive parent herself, adoption holds a very special place in her heart and she can relate on every level with both birth parents and adoptive parents. In her free time Christy loves spending time with her daughter, gardening, baking and taking vacations with her family. Christy is an excellent leader for our team at Adoption Choices and is truly one of a kind!! As Executive Director, Christy spends time with the staff, birth parents and adoptive families in order to ensure that the agency is running smoothly. She has placed a huge emphasis on community outreach and programs for birth parents. Christy loves the opportunity to lead the agency into a brighter future.
Ms. Mackenzie has built a successful counseling career over the past 20 years, supporting mothers and families, people of all ages and genders, students, community professionals and fellow clinicians. Liv values a diverse professional focus, including the entrepreneurial life of a sole proprietor, the evaluative process of certifying foster/adoptive homes, the insightful and mindful one-on-one one work with enthusiastic clients, and serving as an advocate for underserved populations. Liv is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Pre-Law and Economics from American University, an MA in Counseling from Adams University and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University. Away from work you will find Liv spending time in nature, biking to the farmer’s market and adventuring with her family.
Catherine A. Madsen, joined the Adoption Choices family as legal counsel in 2013. Catherine is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Agency, training and updating staff on developments in adoption law and legislation, and program development. Catherine
Virginia Frank is an adoption attorney accredited since 1991 with the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Ms. Frank is a leader in the field of private adoption and has completed over 4,000 adoptions in her career. Ms. Frank has a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a BA in both Political Science and Communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Cassidie has been with Adoption Choices since 2015, she has her bachelors in Interdisciplinary Affairs with concentrations in both Sociology and Business Management. Cassidie has additional training in Victim Advocacy, foster care and has been working in women’s services for over 10 years. Cassidie has always had a heart for adoption and it was her career dream to work in adoption. She started off doing volunteer work for advocacy programs, adoption organizations and worked in High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine through the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Cassidie is also blessed to have personally experienced an adoption of her own in 2012, completing her family of five! Cassidie loves what she does as a case worker from initial phone calls, meetings, doctor appointments, interaction with the adoptive families to delivery and counseling. Cassidie has a passion for those in need and strives to help make a difference in the lives of the people she meets. She is a firm believer in being kind, compassionate and open minded in all situations. “Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, there’s no place for judgment. A kind word or compliment can go a long way!” The bittersweet moments in adoption reminds Cassidie each and every time, why she loves what she does!