What Is Open Adoption?

An open adoption is one where you build a relationship with the adoptive family. You exchange personal and contact information, and have ongoing direct communication which each other. You will always be honored as the child’s birth parent, because that’s who you are. Research shows that open adoption benefits everyone involved, especially the adopted child.

In most open adoptions, the adoptive parents provide pictures and updates of your child. Many also have additional communication to include phone calls, text messages, connecting on social media, and some include in-person or Facetime visits. Every open adoption looks different, but you and the adoptive family will decide together what yours should be.

Open adoption is an informal agreement based on trust and respect, but cannot be legally enforced in the State of Texas. That is why we educate our adoptive families to respect the bond between your child and you, and to understand the importance of your child knowing his or her beginnings.  Chances are that you will choose a family who you like and trust, and they will be committed to honoring their agreement with you.

The level of openness in your adoption is one of the many choices you can make with your adoption plan. If you do not feel comfortable building a relationship with your child’s adoptive family, there are two other types of adoption you can choose.

Semi-open adoption: You can still receive photos and updates on your child, but all communication will go through the adoption agency and your personal information remains private.

Closed adoption: There is little to no contact between you and the adoptive family, and no personal information is exchanged. No communication happens after the baby has been placed with the adoptive parents.