What is Compassionate & Open Adoption?

• Compassionate & open adoption keeps the central focus of the adoption plan on the needs of the baby or child.
• Compassionate & open adoption gives attention to the unique needs of each individual involved in the adoption plan.
• Compassionate & open adoption recognizes that adoption is a lifelong process based on trust, honesty and mutual responsibility.

Child-centered compassionate and open adoptions begin with a trusting relationship between pregnant women/couples and prospective adoptive families. This unique partnership acknowledges not only the parties' mutual respect and shared love for the child, but also their separate and distinct roles. Friends in Adoption is committed to the concept of compassionate and open adoption in an effort to facilitate adoptions through which the child's need for information has not only been met, but exceeded: adoptions where the child's essential needs for validation, acceptance and support are the primary focus.

After the birth of the child, the ongoing contact between the birthparents and the adoptive family enables the birthparents to see for themselves that the child is thriving in the adoptive home. This helps them feel at peace with the adoption. Secure in the knowledge that the birthparents fully support the adoption, the adoptive family is free to welcome the birthparents into their lives. And most importantly, the relationship gives the child direct access to information and support from the birthparents; this allows for the healthy development of the child's identity and self esteem.

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FIA addresses Open Adoption and your questions...

Q: Will the birthmother be more likely to change her mind if she decides to adopt her baby through open adoption?
A: No. Only 10% of pregnant women/couples change their minds after they have chosen adoptive families. Nationally, for closed adoptions, 20% change their minds.

Q: Are their any boundaries in an open adoption?
A: Yes. The pregnant women/couple and the prospective adoptive family create a personalized open adoption agreement that outlines in advance the number of ongoing visits exchanging of photos, letters etc.

Q: Will open adoption be confusing for my child?
A: No. Children benefit from access to open, honest information. In an open adoption, the roles of the adoptive families and the birthparents are separate and clearly defined.