What Kind of Adoption is Right for You?

By Jaclyn Prasa

There are many things to consider when you are thinking about putting your child up for adoption. First, which adoption agency in Arizona will you pick? There are several adoption agencies to choose from, so make sure to find the right one whose interest is caring about your and your baby’s needs. Adoption Choices of Arizona is here to help make the adoption process as simple as possible. Your personal adoption counselor will ensure that you understand the process, and they will clarify any questions you may have.

Most importantly, you will have complete control over your adoption plan as a birth mother. One key decision to make is the type of adoption you wish. There are three types of private adoption, and it refers to the level of openness within the adoption. 

If you need adoption help now, please call us at 480-900-5520, text us at 602-922-0408 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona

1. Open Adoption

Open adoption allows you the most amount of contact and choice within the adoption process. Most importantly, you are allowed to choose the family that adopts your baby. This option allows an exchange of contact information between you and the adoptive family for direct contact. This may help you to establish a relationship with the adoptive family. Then, the amount of connection between you and the adoptive family is entirely up to both of you. Each open adoption arrangement varies based on personal desire. 

Some arrangements may keep in close contact throughout the entire adoption process. That may mean phone calls, emails, or maybe even in-person visits. For example, you may decide for the adoptive family to attend medical checkups with you. This may be as individual and personal as you need. Of course, an established relationship with the adoptive family can also lead to further contact down the line during post-placement. This may allow you to build a relationship with your child. 

Again, the level of connection is dependent upon your arrangement. Open adoption does not mean co-parenting. Instead, it allows you to remain part of your child’s life. Placing your baby up for adoption is a very hard decision to make. Therefore, open adoption can relieve you of possible post-related stress from the adoption. You will know the family is loving and raising your child. You can have peace of mind knowing that your child is well-cared for. Additionally, you can benefit from seeing your child grow up healthily. 

Whether you decide to keep in contact via phone, email, or in-person visits, the choice is yours. You know there is an option for you if you choose adoption and wish to remain connected to your child. Open adoption also promotes a healthier environment for your child. They will know and understand where they come from, which can help unburden them from any identity questions they may eventually have. 

2. Semi-Open Adoption 

This is the next level of openness within adoption and can vary depending on your desires. Birth parents may choose a semi-open adoption for more privacy. This kind of adoption relies on a mediator, possibly your adoption counselor. The adoption professional will maintain contact between the birth parent and the adoptive parent. They can configure the best adoptive family match for you. A meeting can also be arranged in a semi-open adoption between you and the adoptive family with nonidentifying information. 

A semi-open adoption is more restricted in a way that the third party, the adoption agency, is more involved in contact. In this arrangement, it is common to be updated via emails and photographs. Down the road, it is also common in a semi-open adoption to possibly lose contact with the adoptive family and your child. Interestingly, 95% of adoptions have a degree of openness within the adoption. This allows disclosure for the adoptee, where they can easily access medical records and family history. As the adoptee ages, open adoption is proven to help them understand who they are by knowing where they come from. A type of open adoption can help them progress forward. 

3. Closed Adoption

A closed adoption is a confidential adoption. This option is the least common, so it will not suit everyone. Though, a closed adoption can significantly help birth mothers or birth parents who wish to remain anonymous. The adoption agency’s role is crucial as a go-between in this type of arrangement. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to choose the adoptive family. This is judged on a case-by-case basis. You may see pictures of the family, though they will remain anonymous. You will not know names, addresses, or contact information. And the same goes for you. The adoptive family will not know your information. 

Your medical history will be disclosed as it is the adoptee’s right to know. Any of your information given will, of course, remain confidential. In the future, if you need the adoptive family to know something urgent such as a medical diagnosis, you can contact the adoption agency, and they will be able to contact the adoptive family. At no time will there be direct communication between you and the adoptive family in this arrangement. In some cases, that may be for the best. 

Birth parents may move on with their lives. Adoptive families will also move on with theirs and the adoptee without worrying about updating birth parents. Adoptees may struggle the most with this arrangement, not knowing their birth parents. Ultimately, as a birth parent, based on your circumstances, you are making the most loving choice you can offer by placing your baby up for adoption. You must also choose the best type of arrangement for yourself.  

Which Type of Adoption is Best for You?

Only you can answer which type of adoption in Arizona is the best fit for you. Each person’s adoption journey is unique, and Adoption Choices of Arizona is always available to assist you. We treat you with respect and dignity and ensure that you receive the birth mother benefit you need. 

For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call us at or text us at 602-922-0408. If you are a prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please, instead, visit us here!