What is Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption?

When considering adoption, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is whether to pursue an open adoption, closed adoption, or semi-open adoption. These terms describe the level of contact and information shared between birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

At Choice Adoptions, we understand that adoption is deeply personal, and no two journeys look the same. This guide will help you explore what each path means, the differences between open vs. closed adoption, and how to choose what’s best for your child and your family.

What is Open Adoption?

Open adoption is a modern approach to adoption that allows for some form of ongoing communication or relationship between the birth parents and adoptive family. The level of contact varies and may include:

• In-person visits

• Video calls or phone conversations

• Letters, emails, or social media updates

• Shared photos and milestones

  
  

What does open adoption mean in practical terms? It means that birth parents are not erased from the child’s life story. Instead, they are acknowledged as an important part of that story, even if their day-to-day involvement is limited.

In many cases, open adoption begins with a birth parent selecting and meeting the adoptive family. The terms of communication are discussed and agreed upon, often with the help of an adoption agency like Choice Adoptions.

Definition of open adoption: An adoption arrangement where identifying information is shared, and ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptive families is maintained by mutual agreement.

What is Closed Adoption?

Closed adoption is the traditional model of adoption where no identifying information is exchanged between the birth and adoptive families. In a closed adoption:

• The adoptive family and child typically do not know the birth parents' full names or backgrounds

• The birth parents do not receive updates or have contact after placement

• All records are sealed, and no communication occurs unless the adoptee initiates contact later in life (often through state registry systems)

Closed adoption definition: An adoption in which no personal or identifying information is shared between the birth parents and adoptive family, and no ongoing contact is maintained.

Historically, closed adoptions were standard. However, societal attitudes have shifted, and today, most adoptions in the U.S. are open or semi-open, giving families more flexibility to maintain relationships that benefit the child.

What is Semi-Open Adoption?

A semi-open adoption blends elements of both open and closed adoption. In this model, communication takes place, but it’s often mediated through an agency or kept at a distance. For example:

• Letters and pictures may be exchanged via the agency

• First names are shared, but not full identities

• Birth parents receive updates without direct contact

• Adoptive parents may send periodic updates while maintaining privacy

Semi-open adoption gives birth parents reassurance that their child is doing well while still offering both parties boundaries that can evolve over time. At Choice Adoptions, we support flexible, ethical semi-open adoptions that allow for increased openness if and when all parties feel ready.

---

Communication, Records, and Relationships

The level of communication and record-sharing varies greatly between open, closed, and semi-open adoption. Here’s a quick comparison:

Adoption Type	Identifying Info Shared	Ongoing Contact	Record Access	Relationship Possibilities
Open Adoption	Yes	Yes	Shared	Open, evolving
Semi-Open	Limited/Partial	Indirect	Some access	Boundaried, flexible
Closed Adoption	No	None	Sealed	None or post-adoption only

Understanding what is a closed adoption versus what is an open adoption is crucial to setting expectations. While open adoptions promote transparency and long-term connection, closed adoptions preserve privacy and separation.

Some families evolve from one structure to another, starting as semi-open and gradually building toward greater openness, especially as children grow older and ask questions about their birth families.

The Benefits and Challenges of Open Adoption

Open adoption can be a beautiful, affirming experience for all involved—but it’s not without its complexities. Here's a breakdown:

Benefits:

• For the child: Maintains a sense of identity, connection to roots, and answers to their questions

• For birth parents: Peace of mind, ongoing relationship, and affirmation of their decision

• For adoptive parents: Greater understanding of medical and family history, potential for a supportive co-relationship

Challenges:

• Navigating boundaries around roles and expectations

• Emotional complexity, especially during transition periods

• Requires ongoing communication, flexibility, and mutual respect

At Choice Adoptions, we provide post-placement support and counseling to help all parties navigate these challenges with clarity and compassion.

The Benefits and Challenges of Closed Adoption

While less common today, closed adoption may still be the right choice in certain circumstances. Some individuals or families prefer the privacy and simplicity it offers.

Benefits:

• Clearer boundaries for adoptive families who need emotional space

• Greater privacy for birth parents

• May reduce early confusion about roles

Challenges:

• Lack of access to medical or genetic history for the child

• Potential for identity struggles or unanswered questions

• Reunification efforts later in life may be emotionally fraught

Some adoptees in closed adoptions seek out their birth families later in life, especially as DNA and ancestry testing becomes more accessible.

How to Decide Which Path is Right for Your Family

Choosing between open vs. closed adoption is a deeply personal decision. Here are some questions to help guide your thinking:

• What level of contact feels emotionally manageable for you?

• Do you feel comfortable sharing your identity with birth parents?

• Are you open to evolving communication over time as your child grows?

• What’s best for the child long-term? Will they benefit from knowing their birth family?

  
  

Every family is unique and so is every adoption plan. The goal is to center the child’s best interests while honoring the needs and wishes of birth parents and adoptive parents.

At Choice Adoptions, we help families explore these questions through counseling, education, and facilitated conversations. Whether you’re drawn to open adoption, closed adoption, or something in between, we’ll walk with you to create a plan that’s ethical, thoughtful, and child-focused.

Why Choice Adoptions?

At Choice Adoptions, we believe that every adoption story should be rooted in compassion, respect, and choice.

• We support open, semi-open, and closed adoptions, depending on what’s best for everyone involved.

• Our licensed social workers help families create adoption plans that balance transparency with healthy boundaries.

• We offer lifelong support for birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees—because adoption is a lifelong journey.

Whether you're an expectant parent considering placement or a hopeful adoptive family exploring your options, we’re here to guide you with expertise and care.

Visit www.choiceadoptions.org/adoption to learn more.

To speak with an adoption specialist today, call 503-232-1211.

Fill out our adoption inquiry form here.

I am looking to adopt