5 Paths to Openness in Adoption

Openness in adoption is when the adoptive family has contact with the birth family, in any capacity. Research shows openness in some form is in the best interest of all members of the adoption triad (adoptees, adoptive families and birth families). However, openness is not a one-size-fits-all experience and communication can look different for every individual and family. PCHAS encourages open relationships to the extent that is safe and works for all individuals involved. We provide birth families and adoptive families the support and guidance they need to maintain openness with our Post-Adoption services. Here are five possible paths to an open relationship between adoptees, adoptive families and birth families after the adoption has been finalized:

Email communication

Email communication is a great way for families to maintain contact. It is a convenient and easy way for families to provide/receive updates and share photographs of their child. Depending on comfort level, email communication can occur directly between the birth and adoptive families or it can be facilitated by the adoption agency.

Private social media accounts between adoptive and birth families

Because of the popularity of social media, some families have chosen to communicate through private accounts followed exclusively by the adoptive and birth families. This provides an ongoing opportunity for the birth family to stay up-to-date on recent events. Special consideration and precautions should be taken to ensure that the social media account has the appropriate privacy settings enabled.

Text and/or phone communication

Like emails, phone calls and texts can be a great way for families to keep in touch directly. This option can be a good fit for birth/adoptive families who feel comfortable communicating with or without using the adoption agency as a mediator.

Limited in-person meetings with agency present

Our Post-Adoption services can be present at in-person visits between birth families and adoptive families. Having an adoption specialist sit in can help all parties feel comfortable, as they continue to get to know one another and grow their relationship.

In-person meetings set up by the adoptive and birth families

In some cases, birth families and adoptive families enjoy communicating with and visiting each other directly. They may choose to remain in touch throughout the year, such as seeing each other for birthdays and other special events. While these types of relationships typically take time to achieve, PCHAS is always here to support both birth families and adoptive families.