How is open adoption different?

As an adoptive parent, you must consider that your child's birth parents will always be relevant. Even in closed adoption cases, children have questions about their birth parents or their backgrounds. Open Adoption offers you the opportunity to include your child's birth mother, almost as an extended family member, in your child's life. As your child's adoptive parent, you are able to control how often and in what ways your family interacts with your child's birth parent. This valuable opportunity gives your child the chance to build self-esteem and a healthy identity through getting to know his or her birth mother while remaining part of your family.

1. What is open adoption?
2. How is open adoption different?
3. Am I ready for open adoption?
4. What is contact like in an open adoption?
5. Is open adoption the best choice for the child?
6. I'm concerned that my child's birth parent may become too involved. Will this be an issue?
7. I'm afraid my child may want to return to the birth mother when he or she is older. Should I be concerned?
8. How does A Child's Waiting ensure that the child is placed in the right home?
9. What is the process after the birth mother has selected an adoptive family?
10. I'm interested in open adoption, what should I do next?

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