If you’re considering adopting a child, you may have heard of closed adoption. This form of adoption involves little to no contact between the birth family and the adoptive parent. Unlike other cases where both parties maintain consistent communication, everything remains confidential in this case.
However, many questions exist about the closed adoption definition and the entire process. Read this article if you want to know more about how this whole process works.
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Closed Adoption Definition: The Full Meaning
The definition of closed adoption entails an adoption where the birth parents and adoptive families do not exchange their contact information. As a result, the child grows up not knowing their biological parents. In other cases, they do not know their adoption stories.
Closed adoptions, also popular as confidential adoptions, involve keeping the identifying information private. In this case, both parties cannot access each other’s last names and personal contact information.
For a long period, this type of adoption was the most popular option among birth families and adoptive parents. The existing social issues with single motherhood prompted parents to give up their kids if they didn’t plan on having them.
But recently, other types of adoption, like open and semi-open adoption, have become increasingly common. This is because most parents considering this option still crave contact with their children. Since every option has its advantages and downsides, it’s usually up to both parties to decide.
Understanding the Closed Adoption Process
Many birth parents prefer some form of contact with adoptive families during and after the adoption process. However, some parties are not always comfortable with the open option. For people looking to place their kids in the best hands and move on, here is how closed adoption works.
1. Finding an Interested Family
Most families are opting for more modern adoption options, such as open and semi-open adoptions. However, some families are still interested in keeping everything confidential.
For instance, if you’re working with adoption agencies, they help find families interested in the same thing as you. In choosing the best family, birth parents often browse the families’ adoption profiles. However, no identifying information is made available to any party.
It can be challenging to maintain confidentiality if the birth parents do not work with adoption professionals. Either way, the next step begins once they’ve found a suitable family.
2. Limiting Pre-Placement Contact Between Both Parties
During the adoption journey, the birth parents and adoptive family will not have any direct contact. Instead, the adoption professionals facilitate the process and keep them updated on any relevant information.
For instance, the adoption specialists keep up with the birth parents, relaying any important information to the adoption families. On the other hand, adoption mediators like attorneys help maintain communication in independent adoption.
3. Visiting the Hospital
With the assistance of an adoption specialist, a birth parent will create a hospital adoption plan. This plan involves allocating separate hospital rooms to both parties.
Depending on the specific hospital, adoptive families may visit the baby in a separate unit. Either way, the adoptive family receives custody of the child once the birth mother consents to the adoption.
4. Limiting Post-Placement Contact
Limiting contact is easier in international adoptions. But even in closed adoptions, parties sometimes need to contact each other. For instance, if the birth parent discovers a hereditary medical condition, they may need to share their medical history.
If they worked with an adoption agency, they can pass the information on to that agency. If it is an independent adoption, they may need to go through the mediator.
The Benefits of Closed Adoption
Most adoption professionals do not typically recommend closed adoptions nowadays. However, in some situations, this option is preferable, especially if the birth parents have a lot at stake. Here are the benefits of this type of adoption:
- Privacy and confidentiality: Closed adoption offers a high level of privacy for both adoptive and birth parents. This is beneficial for people who may prefer to raise children without the involvement of the birth family.
- Emotional closure for birth mothers: Putting a child up for adoption can be an emotionally telling choice. But closed adoptions offer emotional closure since parents know that they’ve made a final decision. Since there is no interaction, there are fewer chances of reopening old wounds.
- Clear boundaries between the parties: Adoptive families establish clear boundaries by opting for closed adoptions. Since unplanned contact is not possible, they can raise their children independently without external influence.
- Stability for the adopted child: Having two sets of parents can confuse any child. Closed adoption removes this situation, allowing adoptive families to establish cohesive relationships with the children.
- Protection from adoption complexities: Closed adoption removes the complexities around the child’s identity and family relationships. Of course, children and parents can focus on their families without a sense of divided loyalty. Still, these experiences vary.
How Does a Closed Adoption Differ From an Open Adoption?
A closed adoption differs from an open adoption because the former does not allow the exchange of identifying information. After the completion of a closed adoption, the agency or mediator seals all the records. Hence, there is no ongoing contact between the birth and adoptive parents.
On the other hand, an open adoption encourages and allows some form of contact between both families. In this case, they can share names and contact information and even arrange visits. This option allows the adopted child to maintain a connection to their birth family.
Overall, closed adoption focuses on privacy and limits communication, allowing adoptive parents to raise children independently. Conversely, open adoptions help the child understand their identity. However, each option has its unique benefits and drawbacks.
Translate Your Adoption Documents With Rapid Translate
If you’re working toward an international adoption, you may need to translate your documents, depending on the exact country. Translations of your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and other documents are usually crucial.
When getting this service, it is important to work with highly experienced translators who can ensure accuracy and precision. Rapid Translate, our reputable translation agency, offers translations of all the needed documents, covering over 60 languages.
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FAQ
After covering the definition of closed adoption and how this process works, let’s answer some frequently asked questions!
Why might birth parents choose a closed adoption?
Birth parents choose a closed adoption for privacy or emotional closure. Many parents do so to move forward with a sense of finality and avoid potential conflicts. This way, they can focus on their lives and rebuild.
Are there still closed adoptions in the U.S.?
Yes, there are still closed adoptions in the U.S., but they are less common than open adoptions. Although many agencies promote the open option, closed ones are best for those seeking an independent family structure.
How long does a closed adoption process take?
A closed adoption can take between one and 2.5 years to be completed. This includes finding a mother who is willing to go through this process, gathering the necessary paperwork, and finding experts to help with the process.
