Openness in Adoption
  ECFA facilitates open adoption. To us, openness means a meaningful connection that develops between the birth and adoptive family which is based on mutual respect, sharing of information and concern for the best interests of the adoption triad. ECFA respects the desires of the adoptive parents and the birth parents. We will match families who have similar expectations around issues of openness.  

In an open adoption, birth and adoptive families are provided with the opportunity to get to know one another and maintain ongoing contact. The degree of openness will vary depending on the desires of the parties involved. Some women will choose to have limited contact via pictures and letters, while others will choose ongoing contact through personal visits with the family and child. Open adoption allows for the birth and adoptive families to get to know one another and form a relationship over time that benefits everyone involved.

If you choose adoption, you will talk with a counselor about what you want your adoption experience to look like. You will have the opportunity to view adoptive parent profiles which will help you learn about them through photos, a letter, and a description of who they are. If you desire, you will have the opportunity to meet the family that you choose so that you can get to know about them on a more personal level. The amount of communication between birth and adoptive parents is mutually decided. If you want to know about your child as he/she grows, develops, and experiences new things, this can happen through pictures, letters, e-mail, phone conversation, or scheduled visits arranged either through ECFA or directly. Every adoption plan is unique to the people involved.

ECFA believes that everyone can benefit from an open adoption as new relationships are realized and developed . The birth parent(s) can stay informed about how her child is doing which reaffirms the adoption decision that she made. A caring relationship can form between the birth and adoptive parents as they get to know each other and maintain contact. The child also benefits from an open adoption as the child is made aware of the love and planning that went into his or her adoption. The child can know about the love that both sets of parents have for him and have his questions answered. The child also has more information about his biological parents, heritage, and nationality.

If you feel that open adoption is not for you , that is okay. We know that this decision is very difficult and you may be confused and uncertain about your pregnancy and adoption decision. We are here for you. A PSS counselor can help you get all the information you need as you are considering an adoption plan as well as answer any questions you have. Our counseling is free, confidential, and there is no pressure.

 

Pregnancy Support Services is a program of Evangelical Child and Family Agency
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