What about "Open" adoption?

I have been focusing on making good use of my time while we wait for our little Shania. I have been diving back into my jewelry making (more to come soon...no really!) but more importantly we have been reading and educating ourselves on open adoption, birthmothers and the adoptive child.

As we learn and grow we thought that it would be good to share. Not unlike Dave and I, most of you have never experienced adoption much less...an open adoption. And not unlike Dave and I, you may have fears, questions and misconceptions about these very subjects. Hopefully by sharing what we learned - You can begin to see why Dave and I have opened our hearts to open adoption.

Today most domestic adoptions are open. An open adoption involves a face-to-face meeting between the birth and prospective adoptive parents prior to placement; an exchange of identifying information; and a commitment on both sides to continue the relationship. The degree of openness in a open adoption varies greatly from family to family. Typically there is a once or twice a year visit with some other form of communication such as email or phone calls in between.

In an open adoption, the birth parents' legal rights of guardianship are terminated, and the adoptive parents become the legal parents.

The result is an adoption experience that is more positive and healthier for all parties. There is openness, honesty and communication - all important keys to any great relationship but most importantly, a healthy, secure child.

Dave and I are sincerely looking forward to the day when we can begin a relationship with our birthmother.