Open vs. Closed Adoption
If you are considering adoption in Colorado, you may be curious about the difference between open and closed adoptions. These are two distinct adoption options that offer vastly different futures for adoptive parents and their families.
Open and closed adoptions pose advantages and disadvantages to adoptive parents and should be carefully contemplated before finalizing an adoption plan. Read the following information to learn more about open and closed adoptions in Colorado.
Then, consult with an adoption attorney for additional help with your proposed adoption plan.
What is an Open Adoption in Colorado?
In an open adoption, the adoptive parents and the birth parent(s) meet and are in contact with one another. The amount of interaction between the adoptive parents and the birth parent(s) will vary from case to case depending on the comfort level of the parties and their circumstances.
Some parties choose to share contact information and will call and text during the pregnancy. Adoptive parents may witness their child’s birth.
Birth families may stay abreast of special events in a child’s life like birthdays, holidays, and graduations. This contact may be through the adoption agency or in person.
What is a Semi-Open Adoption in Colorado?
An adoption may be a semi-open adoption. In a semi-open adoption, contact between the adoptive parents and birth parent(s) is through a third party. The third party may be a mediator, caseworker, adoption attorney, or a similar professional.
Whether adoptive parents choose an open adoption or semi-open adoption, they can have a written post-adoption agreement with the birth parent(s) regarding contact after the adoption.
Advantages of Open Adoption
Open adoption allows for adoptive parents and birth parent(s) to be more active in the adoption process. Adoptive parents can ask birth parent(s) pertinent health questions and address adoptive children’s future concerns about being adopted.
Disadvantages of Open Adoption
Open adoption may confuse small children about the identity of their parents. The presence of birth parent(s) can be overwhelming or threatening to adoptive parents.
What is a Closed Adoption in Colorado?
In a closed adoption, there is usually no contact between adoptive parents and birth parent(s) prior to or after a child is adopted. Closed adoptions may involve newborns that were placed with agencies, children from other countries, or children in the custody of the state.
In a closed adoption, the adoptive parents may not know anything about a child’s birth parent(s). Adoptive children are issued new birth certificates, and adoption files are sealed.
Advantages of Closed Adoption
Closed adoption protects the privacy of both the adoptive parents and the birth parent(s).
Disadvantages of Closed Adoption
Adopted children may want to know about their past and their birth parent(s). However, this information may be difficult to uncover. These children may have emotional scars and traumatic pasts that are unknown to the adoptive parent(s).
Contact an Experienced Broomfield Adoption Attorney Today
If you would like to learn more about adoption in Colorado, contact an experienced attorney at Danielsen Westhoff, PC. We can ensure you know all of your adoption options and help you make vital decisions about your growing family.
You can reach Danielsen Westhoff, PC, by phone at (720) 704-1504 or online.