An open adoption is one in which the birth and adoptive families have shared identifying information, and can include direct ongoing contact. Some birth and adoptive families choose to stay in touch after placement through emails, texts or phone calls. Others arrange for occasional visits.
Like any relationship, connections between birth and adoptive families change over time. You may not feel ready for ongoing contact, and that’s okay! We will talk with you about how it works, provide you information about open adoptions, and discuss your comfort level so you can choose what’s right for you.
If you have ongoing contact with your child’s adoptive family you will be able to:
*Share your child's birth story with them directly
*Answer any questions they have about your family, and why you chose adoption
*Receive updates about important milestones and events in your child’s life
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to open adoption at The Cradle.
Each relationship between birth and adoptive families is unique. How it develops will be something you and your child’s adoptive family will discuss, create and build together. If you ever need help navigating the relationship, now or in the future, The Cradle is here to support you. If you feel strongly that an open adoption is not for you, that's okay too. All of our adoptive families are prepared for some level of ongoing contact, so if you change your mind later on we'll help you reconnect. In Illinois open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable. An open adoption relationship is built on trust and mutual respect. Any arrangement about ongoing contact is a good faith agreement between you and your child’s adoptive parents.