An unexpected pregnancy means you have a big decision to make. If you are considering placing your child for adoption, you need to understand the process fully.
There are three adoption plans to choose from: open, semi-open, and closed. The amount of contact you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family after placement determines which plan you choose.
Let’s review what is involved in a semi-open adoption. This adoption plan provides both contact and privacy.
What Does Placement Mean?
When you choose adoption, you are placing your child with another family. It is not co-parenting. It is a permanent decision that grants legal authority to others to parent your child.
In Texas, the required placement period before an adoption is finalized is six months. In that time, the adoption coordinator visits the home to ensure your child is cared for properly.
How Does a Semi-Open Adoption Work?
A semi-open adoption is also known as a mediated adoption. Mediated means a third party, such as your adoption agency or attorney, coordinates all contact between you and the adoptive family.
Contact involves emails, photos, letters, phone calls, and, if possible, personal visits. You and the adoptive family communicate through your trusted adoption coordinator. The only identifying information you exchange is usually just first names.
During the post-placement period and after finalization, adoptive families send photos and letters to their birth mothers through their adoption coordinator to let them know how the child they share is doing.
Why Would I Choose a Semi-Open Adoption?
Rather than having no contact (a closed adoption) or a fully open adoption where identifying information is shared, a semi-open adoption provides much-needed privacy. Making an adoption plan is not an easy choice. You may feel vulnerable and will need time to rest and heal.
The adoptive family will need time to adjust as well. By choosing a semi-open adoption, you receive the information you desire while remaining anonymous.
Adoption plans can be modified. If, after you become comfortable, you wish to change from a semi-open to an open adoption, you and the adoptive family you’ve chosen can discuss exchanging more identifying information.
How Do I Start the Adoption Process?
Moore Options is not a licensed child-placing agency, but we can provide referrals to reputable adoption providers in your area. In the meantime, you can talk with us about this option and others.
Deciding how to handle your unexpected pregnancy is a major decision that impacts you and others. It’s vital that you get as much information as possible about your pregnancy and your options.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with a Moore Options advocate and let us know how we can assist you. You and your future matter to us.
