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).

Adoptive Parents

No need to physically share the child with birth parents.

Greater sense of control over process.

Increased sense of having the "right" to parent and increased ability for confident parenting.

No danger of birth parent interference or co-parenting.

Roles may be more clearly defined than in either confidential or open options.

Potential for authentic relationship with the birth family

 Increased sense of entitlement compared to confidential adoptions.

More understanding of children's history.

 Enhanced ability to answer child's questions about his or her history.

Increased empathy for birth parents.

Less fear of birth parents reclaiming child because they know the parent and their wishes.

Delight of being "chosen" as a parent.