Confidential Adoptions

Mediated (Semi-Open)

Open Adoptions

No contact between birth and adoptive families. No identifying information is provided.

Non identifying contact is made (via cards, letters, and pictures) through a third party (e.g., agency or attorney).

Direct interaction between birth and adoptive families. Identities are known.

Only non identifying information (e.g., height, hair color, medical history, etc.) is provided through a third party (e.g., agency or attorney).

Adopted Persons

Possible adolescent identity confusion (unable to compare physical and emotional traits to their birth families).

Similar to confidential adoptions, if information not shared with the adoptee.

No clean break for assimilation into family, which some feel is necessary.

Limited access to information that others take for granted.

Potential perception that it is unsafe to interact with birth family directly.

Potential feelings of rejection if contact stops.

Potential preoccupation with adoption issues.

Difficulty explaining the relationship to peers.

Potential for playing families against each other.