Closed adoption refers to an adoption process where there is no interaction of any kind between birthmothers and prospective adoptive families. This means that there is no identifying information provided either to the birth families or adoptive families. However, non-identifying information such as physical characteristics and medical history may be made available to
those involved.
Closed Adoption: Advantages for Birth Parents
The closed adoption experience can vary depending on individual circumstances. Potential advantages of closed adoption include:
- Sense of closure- Some birthmothers and birth families report that having a closed adoption provided a sense of closure enabling them to move on with their lives.
- Privacy- For people who feel threatened and vulnerable by their decision to place a child for adoption, a closed adoption can offer greater privacy.
- Reduced fear- For birthmothers with concerns about explaining their decision to others, a closed adoption can offer a way to avoid confrontation.
Closed Adoption: Advantages for Adoptive Family
The closed adoption experience can vary from one adoptive family to another. For adoptive families, potential advantages include:
- Family Freedom- When birth families are not involved, adoptive families are free enjoy their family time without the potential complications associated with outside intrusion.
- Absence of fuzzy boundaries- Eliminates the risk of complications that can arise from birth parent interference or co-parenting concerns.
Closed Adoption: Advantages for the Adopted Child
The closed adoption experience can vary from one child to another. For the adopted child, potential advantages include:
- Absence of fuzzy boundaries- Eliminates the risk of complications that can arise from birth parent interference or co-parenting concerns.
- Protection from unstable birth families- Offers the adopted child protection from unstable or emotionally disturbed birth parents or birth family members.
The closed adoption experience tends to vary for each adoption. Communication continues to be a vital factor in the adoption process. As communication about wishes, desires, expectations, etc. improves, the more comfortable everyone involved will be in the adoption process. In a closed adoption, communication normally occurs through an adoption agency or adoption attorney.
Next Steps
It is usually helpful to to talk to an adoption professional where you can explore adoption in greater detail. You can ask questions and learn more about the process without pressure.
Advantage lists adapted from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
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