Semi-Open
Common Elements of Semi-open Adoption
- The expectant parents choose a family from written, non-identifying profiles.
- An agency or third party mediates the contact between the parties before and after the birth.
- Birthparents and adoptive parents know each other only by their first names.
- Adoptive parents may be present at the birth and may have met the birthparents before the birth.
- All correspondence is sent through the agency or third party.
- Post-placement meetings are arranged and supervised by the mediator.
- Adoptive parents often share the child's pictures and letters with the birthparents, but may also include gifts, videotapes, etc.
Advantages
The advantage of this arrangement is that both families have the opportunity to develop a relationship over time. A semi-open adoption gives everyone the freedom to communicate with the assistance of a trained mediator.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of this plan lies in the area of sharing information. In a semi-open adoption, current information can be passed on with ease, over time. A child's adoption story continues beyond birth, and his or her questions can be answered as they arise.
Disadvantages
At times, adoptive families and birthfamilies feel "married" to the third party.