Over the years, adoptions have become more open, and the benefits to all involved are well documented.
The level of openness is unique to each adoptive placement. Most birth mothers want to meet the adoptive family before the birth and continue contact after placement.
Colorado Christian Services honors the wishes of the birth mother in regard to openness. Whether the birth mother and adoptive family choose to exchange phone calls or have in person contact on a regular basis, there are many benefits to open adoption.
Open adoption:
- Improves communication. When birth parents and adoptive parents can communicate directly, there is less confusion and misunderstanding. Clear communication is beneficial for all involved, and the better birth and adoptive families communicate, the better they will connect with each other, which leads to further advantages.
- Strengthens relationships. As birth and adoptive families communicate, they learn more about each other and develop a relationship. When birth families and adoptive families have a strong, healthy relationship, this benefits the child both in the present and in the future. The child learns how to build healthy relationships and gains a bigger support system.
- Lessens feelings of being unwanted. Many adoptees struggle with feeling unwanted by their birth parents. Open adoption helps lessen these feelings because the child knows and has a relationship with at least one birth parent. The open, healthy communication that has been established means the child can ask questions and get answers easily, and the relationships that have been formed ensure the child knows he or she is loved by both birth and adoptive parents.
Although many are unsure about open adoptions, they have proven to be beneficial to all involved. Regardless of the degree of openness, open adoption improves communication, strengthens relationships, and lessens feelings of unwantedness for the adopted child.
Colorado Christian Services is committed to being a leader in the field of counseling and adoption because of our dedication to strengthening families with an emphasis on Christian values as well as respecting the dignity and worth of all individuals. We are honored to help birth parents and adoptive parents work together to create the best plan for each situation. Call us today to learn more: 303.761.7236