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Where Do I Start?

Adoption Information for Beginners

Part Three

By National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

Identified adoption is a form of independent adoption in which a birthmother and adoptive parents locate one another, but then go together to a licensed adoption agency – in a few states, this is the only type of independent adoption allowed. The agency conducts the home study for the adoptive parents and counsels the birthmother. All the parties know that the birthmother's baby will be placed with that couple. This process combines some of the positive elements of all types of adoption: the birthmother can feel confident that her child will have a future with an approved, loving family, and the adoptive parents can feel confident that the birthmother has thought through her decision carefully. As in any adoption, however, a birthmother may still change her mind about placing the child.

Many couples who have adopted infants independently found it was the right solution for them. It may be the solution for you; however, it is not for everyone. Some adoptive parents who have adopted independently say later that it might have been nice to have had the emotional support and thoughtful preparation for adoption that an adoption agency provides. Most parents want to be well-prepared to help their children deal with adoption issues they will face at different points in their lives. Some parents seek support before and after adopting independently by joining adoptive parent support groups.

An increasing number of adoption professionals feel that openness between the birthparents and adoptive parents benefits the child. Information about both parties can be exchanged directly. The birthparents can do some anticipatory grieving for their loss, while the adoptive parents can prepare to bond immediately with their baby. In this approch, it has even been known for a birthmother to use the adoptive mother as her labor coach when delivering the baby.

Follow-up research on families who have open adoption placements suggests that there are several important benefits to openness. Adoptive families generally report that they do not fear the birthparents (who know them and the child) will return to claim the child. In addition, parents report that their children do not display confusion about who is the parent. Children can ask the difficult questions directly about the reasons they were placed for adoption. Birthparents report a confidence in the rightness of their very difficult decision when they have the security of knowing the adoptive parents and knowing how the child is doing. Researchers plan to continue their follow-up studies of open adoption placements and to continue to report their findings to professionals and families alike.

Want to see more?

• Domestic Adoption: Building a Family
• International Adoption: Building Families Without Borders
• Transracial Adoption: Outside Reactions to Your Family
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

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