What is Open Adoption? Your Complete Guide to Open Adoption in Wisconsin
Choosing adoption is a deeply personal decision, and understanding your options is essential. Open adoption gives you the chance to stay connected with your child while providing them with a loving and secure future.
If you’re wondering what open adoption means, how it works, and what options are available to you, we’re here to provide clarity and support. You are not alone in this journey, and there are professionals ready to walk with you through this process. Call us anytime for free information and guidance.
What is Open Adoption?
Open adoption means you have the ability to maintain a relationship with your child and their adoptive family. You decide what that looks like—whether it’s phone calls, emails, video chats, or in-person visits. Every adoption plan is unique, and your specialist will work with you to find an adoptive family that shares your preferences.
- At our agency, all adoptive families are required to be open to:
- Direct communication through phone calls and emails
- At least one in-person visit within the first five years
- Continued updates through pictures and letters if desired
- Mutual respect and understanding of your wishes
Open adoption allows you to remain connected to your child and continue to have a meaningful relationship as they grow. You will never be forgotten, and your love and sacrifice will always be recognized.
How to Choose Open Adoption
If you’re interested in open adoption, contacting us is the first step. Our specialists are available 24/7 to talk through your options, answer your questions, and help you find an adoptive family that aligns with your vision. Adoption is always free for birth mothers, and financial assistance may be available for living expenses, including rent, groceries, transportation, and medical costs.
During the adoption process, you’ll make something called an adoption plan. Your plan lets you choose how your child’s adoption is handled, including what happens before, during, and after delivery. Part of this is setting up your preferences for your open adoption.
You can choose how often you want contact and what kind of contact you want, and our professionals can match you with several options for adoptive families who align with your preferences. After the adoption, our staff will help facilitate communication, making sure your adoption plan is upheld for years to come as your child grows.
Making this decision can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our adoption specialists are here to offer you guidance, respect, and the support you deserve. Get Started Now
What about Semi-Open Adoption?
Not every birth mother is ready for direct contact with the adoptive family. If that’s how you feel, a semi-open adoption might be the right choice for you. In a semi-open adoption, your specialist acts as a mediator, facilitating communication and updates without direct interaction.
What’s great about semi-open adoption is that you can always change your mind. If, down the road, you decide you want more contact, we can help adjust your arrangement to suit your comfort level. You have the ability to transition into more openness as you feel ready.
More about Open Adoption
Open Adoption Rules in Wisconsin
Open adoption agreements in Wisconsin are generally based on trust between birth parents and adoptive families. While some agreements can be legally documented, they are not always enforceable. However, the families we work with fully support open adoption and are committed to maintaining the agreed level of contact.
Many adoptive families view open adoption as a beautiful way to honor your role in your child’s life. Open adoption provides a lifelong connection, ensuring that your child grows up with a full understanding of their story and identity.
Open Adoption Timing
There’s no rush. If you need time after delivery to recover emotionally and physically, that’s completely okay. You can take as much time as you need before engaging with the adoptive family. However, getting to know the family before your baby is born can make the transition into open adoption smoother and more comfortable for everyone involved.
Some birth mothers find comfort in starting communication early, allowing them to build trust and establish a positive relationship with the adoptive family. Others choose to wait until they are emotionally ready to take that step. Whatever you decide, your choice will be respected, and your adoption specialist will support you in every way.
Open Adoption and You
No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our adoption specialists are here to answer your questions, provide emotional support, and ensure that you are confident in your decision. If you ever need help communicating with the adoptive family after placement, we’re always available to assist.
You are making a courageous decision, one filled with love and selflessness. Open adoption allows you to remain connected to your child and to see them thrive in a nurturing environment. If you’re considering open adoption, we’d love to help you understand your options and find the best plan for you and your baby.
Call us now at 1-800-ADOPTION for free, confidential support. Immediate help is available.
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