Open Adoption in California

How does open adoption work in California? You can build a lifelong bond with your child and the adoptive family. Choosing adoption doesn’t have to be “goodbye.”

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Today, most adoptions have some degree of openness in them. This means that both parties involved in the adoption journey share some form of communication with each other. But, how does this work, exactly? That’s what we are here to answer for you.

To get free adoption information now, you can fill out our online contact form whenever you’re ready to reach out to us. For now, you can learn everything that you need to know about open adoption in California.

Open vs. Closed Adoption in California

So, how does open adoption work in California? First, it can be helpful to distinguish closed vs. open adoption. A few decades ago, closed adoption was the norm. This is when you don’t share any contact or identifying information with the hopeful adoptive family or your child.

This may sound familiar, as this type of adoption has been portrayed in popular culture too many times to count. A lone mother leaves their child on the doorstep of an orphanage or a fire station, never to be seen or heard from again. Maybe this is what springs to mind when people talk about adoption. But, this representation couldn’t be further from the truth.

The standard for a modern adoption process is open adoption. You’ll choose an adoptive family that’s perfect for your baby and stay in touch with them long after the adoption finalization.

Another key difference between open adoption vs. closed adoption is that your child will grow up knowing who you are and why you chose adoption. This can be incredibly beneficial when they start forming their identity.

Types of Communication in Open Adoption

By choosing open adoption in California, you can watch your child thrive as they grow older and become their own person. For example, you can keep in touch with them and the family through:

  • Handwritten letters
  • In-person visits
  • Emails
  • Text messages
  • Zoom or Skype
  • Photographs
  • Or whatever you feel comfortable with

Because you are the prospective birth mother, you are in full control of your adoption plan, and that includes choosing the main form of communication you use with the hopeful adoptive parents.

In an open adoption, you may also discover that you’ve made some new extended family members. It can be a beautiful process that brings together people who never would have met otherwise. That’s part of what makes this journey so rewarding.

What Are the Benefits of Open Adoption in California?

Scientific research has shown that open adoption is highly beneficial for adoptees. As someone making such a selfless, brave decision, we understand that you want only the best for your baby. You are embarking on a loving journey to provide the best life possible for them. Through open adoption in California, you can directly witness that life.

Below, we have listed just a handful of the benefits of open adoptions in California. Although most of these pertain to adoptees, these advantages impact you, too, as it means your child will thrive just that much more.

Questions Don’t Go Unanswered

Whether the family or the child themselves have questions about the adoption, you’ll be able to provide the answers they need. This level of immediacy can help your child learn about their adoption story and how you made such a loving sacrifice for them.

Another Wonderful Family

Just as you can make new family members through open adoption in California, so can your child. When you allow open communication between you and the adoptive family, your child will know that there is a whole other family out there that loves them more than anything. The more people to love and support them, the better.

Accessible Medical History

Open adoption can be life-saving, and we aren’t exaggerating. Your child will be able to access up-to-date medical information. Although you will need to provide their medical history before finalization, you may learn something about your own medical history later down the road. This could prove important for the adoptee, too.

As a result, you may hear open adoption stories about how this access saved the adoptee’s life. This makes it one of the most notable benefits of open adoption in California.

Learn More about Open Adoption

How does open adoption work with our agency? We’re glad you asked! Our experienced staff would love nothing more than to help you get started with this mission today. Whenever you’re ready, contact us online to get more free information now.