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).

Birth Parents

Less grief resolution due to lack of information about the child's well-being.

Loss of potential for direct relationship with adoptive family (and/or child).

Full responsibility for setting relationship limits and boundaries.

May encourage denial of fact that child was born and placed with another family.

Increased grief in the initial years, less later.

Potential abuse of trust (fewer safeguards).

Loss of contact if intermediary changes or leaves (i.e., staff turnover, policy changes, or agency closings).

Potential disappointment if adoptive family cannot meet all expectations or needs.

Birth mother may feel obligated to place child due to the emotional or financial support given by the prospective adoptive parents.

Birth mother may feel obligated to place child due to the emotional or financial support given by the prospective adoptive parents.