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

Allows for denial of "adopted family" or fertility status.

Loss of the full relationship with the birth parents.

Full responsibility for setting relationship limits and boundaries.

Increased fear, less empathy for birth parents.

Lack of ability to have questions answered immediately.

Potential pressure: accept openness or no child.

No access to additional medical information about birth family.

Potentially troubling cards, letters, or pictures.

Potential difficulty with emotionally disturbed birth parents.

Less control: agency controls information.

Potential for supporting both child and birth parents (emotionally).