What characterizes open adoption?

Open adoption is characterized by a relationship between birth parents and adoptive parents that allows for sharing information and maintaining contact, which can lead to the development of meaningful relationships. This approach emphasizes transparency and communication, enabling birth parents to remain involved in their child's life to varying degrees, depending on the agreement made during the adoption process.

In open adoptions, there is often an exchange of information such as medical histories, personal stories, and even direct contact through visits or phone calls, fostering a sense of connection and understanding for all parties involved. This model can help support the child's sense of identity by providing them with knowledge about their biological family, which can be an important aspect of their development and emotional well-being.

Conversely, options that suggest a lack of contact or limited involvement from birth parents do not align with the principles of open adoption, which aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the child and their families. Legal representatives are typically focused on the legal aspects of the adoption process rather than on nurturing ongoing relationships, which further differentiates open adoption from other types of adoption arrangements.