Frequently Asked Questions

What is open adoption?
An open adoption is where there is full disclosure of identifying information between the adoptive parents and birthparents. Often, within an open adoption there is direct, ongoing contact between birthparents and adoptive parents.
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Why would my child choose an open adoption for her baby?
Women choose open adoption for a variety of reasons. Many know that they will be great moms someday, but are not ready to parent right now. Others already have children and decide they are unable to care for another child. Each decision is as unique as the woman who makes it. Other reasons for an adoption plan may include:

• She wants two parents who are eager and ready to become Mom and Dad for her child.
• She knows that raising a baby is not a good way to fix a relationship that is not working.
• She and her partner are together, but are not ready to raise a child.
• She is not ready to be a parent, but wants to always know how her child is doing.
• She wants to complete her education or start her career.
• She decides that open adoption can give her baby the best start in life, and she is determined to
  choose the best family.

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As a grandparent, what does open adoption mean for me?
Birthgrandparents can be a very important part of a successful open adoption, not only as a source of support for the birthparent, but after the baby is born as an integral part of the adoption triad. Many birth grandparents have ongoing contact with the adoptive family.
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As a birthgrandparent, what are my rights in an open adoption?
The laws in each state vary but as a general rule, as a parent of a daughter or son placing a child for adoption, you do not retain any legal rights over their decision to place. However, at the Independent Adoption Center, you are welcome to participate in the adoption planning and have contact with the adoptive family if your child agrees.
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