Open Adoption with Your Child in Missouri

Adoption in Missouri is when a birth mother makes one of the greatest sacrifices ever for her child and chooses for her child to be raised with different parents. She voluntarily terminates her legal rights to parent after choosing the best parents to raise her child. There are three types of adoption in Missouri:

  • What is open adoption in Missouri? A Missouri open adoption is when a birth mother has some level of contact with the adoptive parents and child whom she placed for adoption.
  • A closed adoption is when a birth mother has no contact with the child she places for adoption (unless the child reaches out to her after he or she is 18).
  • A semi-open adoption is when a birth mother communicates with the adoptive family and the child she placed via mediation through her adoption professional and adoption agency. In Missouri, open adoption is an option for any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy.

What is Open Adoption in Missouri?

What does open adoption mean? Open adoption in Missouri is defined by the level of contact within a post-placement agreement between the birth mother and her chosen adoptive family for her child. Communication can vary from something simple as annual updates from the adoptive family, to annual family visits, to gift exchanges, frequent holiday phone calls, etc. The level of openness depends on what the birth mother and the adoptive parents agreed on during the adoption process. The post-placement agreement is honored by both the birth mother and adoptive parents as long as boundaries and respect remain in place.

What is Closed Adoption in Missouri?

Closed adoption in Missouri is when a birth mother chooses not to have any contact with her child throughout his or her upbringing. Closed adoption used to be the standard type of post-placement relationship; however, research and experience now shows that open adoptions can be incredibly healing and beneficial for the entire adoption triad. Experts in the field may recommend an open adoption, or even a semi-open adoption, but the choice comes down to what the birth mother desires moving forward.

What is a Semi-Open Adoption in Missouri?

Semi-open adoptions in Missouri fall in between closed and open adoption agreements. With a Missouri semi-open adoption, personal and private information is kept confidential between the birth mother and the adoptive family. The adoption agency who worked with the birth mother and the adoptive family can facilitate this mediated relationship. With a semi-open adoption, a birth mother can enjoy the benefits of having a relationship with her child while still maintaining her privacy.

The Benefits of Open Adoption in Missouri

There are so many benefits to choosing open adoption in Missouri for the entire adoption triad, which includes the child placed for adoption, the birth mother, and the adoptive parents. An open adoption in Missouri encourages relationships to grow and develop within the adoption triad. While there may be bumps along the road as the relationships evolve, most in the triad find it mostly miraculous as they all move forward in life together.

If you are considering the level of openness that you desire to have in your adoption, please fill out this contact form so that an adoption specialist can reach out to you and answer any questions you may have. Adoption is beautiful, regardless of the level of openness. Every birth mother will have different needs and desires when it comes to post-placement contact. Working with an adoption professional on an adoption plan will help a prospective birth mother determine what level of openness will be best for her and her child.

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