"Open Adoption" has become a bit of a catchphrase. People seeking to become parents through adoption today are usually aware that "openness" -- and some form of ongoing connection to their child's birth parents (also known as "first parents") and other family members -- will be a part of building their family.
Research also tells us that openness in adoption is beneficial for everyone involved, but mostly for the adopted person. What research does not tell us is how to encourage families to live openness authentically and navigate challenging new territory on behalf of children who are adopted and can't remain with their original families. Some people experience anxiety at the prospect of this unique relationship in their lives, and some families find this aspect of their adoption journey challenging.
To ensure that a child feels loved and supported by all family members, both birth and adoptive, here are six things to keep in mind:
- Worries and concerns are normal. For so many years adoption was not something people openly discussed, so a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions continue to cause confusion and concern. And the ideas of more openness and true connection to birth families may be a hard concept to understand and put into practice. Since there are no best-practice standards for openness -- and there are different degrees and definitions of openness in adoption -- people often have reservations about their roles in each other's lives. Birth and adoptive parents often lack support and education surrounding openness, which fuels their concerns. But with the right supports and knowledge from professionals in place, more families can experience openness in a more positive and fulfilling way.
And remember: The idea of openness can be used beyond adoption and be applied to all kinds of families, such as families formed via assisted reproductive technology, families experiencing divorce and remarriage, and blended families.
Learn more about the Donaldson Adoption Institute's work at AdoptionInstitute.org.