If you’ve been thinking about choosing adoption for your baby, chances are that you have some questions about open adoption in Alaska.
Open adoption in Alaska means that even if you choose adoption for your baby and select an adoptive family to love and raise them, you aren’t saying goodbye forever.
You’re just saying goodbye for now.
This is because, with open adoption in Alaska, you’ll have the unique opportunity to keep in touch with both your child and their adoptive parents.
This type of adoption looks different for everyone involved, but there are a few things you should know as you consider open adoption in Alaska for your baby. Keep reading to learn more.
Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption in Alaska
When you’re thinking about adoption in Alaska, you have two primary choices for your adoption style: open and closed.
Open
What is open adoption in Alaska? Simply put, this type of adoption means that you keep in touch with your child and their adoptive family. These days, almost all modern adoptions include some elements of openness.
This style of adoption looks different for each and every family, so it’s something you should think about carefully in advance. Your social worker will be a great resource when you’re considering this option.
Closed
Closed adoption means that you will not exchange personal information with your baby’s adoptive family. You won’t learn each other’s last names, ask for identifying information or try to connect after placement. Instead, you’ll each go your separate ways. This style of adoption is rare, but it is an option.
Remember: the type of adoption you choose is completely up to you.
Which Style is Right for Me?
When you’re considering closed or open adoption in Alaska, you have a lot of things to take into consideration.
One of the most important things to consider is that with open adoption in Alaska, you’ll be able to communicate at a level that you are most comfortable with.
For example, if you want to talk with your child’s adoptive family a few times a year, you can do that. If you want to touch base every couple of years, that’s okay, too. Maybe you want to touch every other month. Again, that’s perfectly fine.
With closed adoption, you can’t communicate.
It’s also important to remember that with open adoption in Alaska, you can increase or decrease the amount of communication that you’re comfortable with, but if you choose closed adoption, you won’t be able to later transition to communicating.
Why Choose Open Adoption in Alaska?
One of the biggest reasons that birth moms consider pursuing openness in adoption is that they want to know they’re making the right choice.
With this style of adoption, you won’t have to wonder if your baby is okay.
You’ll know.
You can communicate with their adoptive family, get pictures of your baby and even attend important family events.
Why Choose Closed Adoption?
Traditionally, most adoptions were closed adoptions. While they are rarer today, some birth moms still prefer closed adoption.
If you are in an unsafe situation or you don’t want anyone to know you placed a child for adoption, you might be considering a closed adoption.
It’s important to talk with your adoption social worker about closed or open adoption in Alaska. Ask as many questions as you need to so that you can make the right choice for yourself and have the best experience possible.
What Does Open Adoption in Alaska Look Like?
This style of adoption can look different for each birth mom and adoptive family, so it’s important to talk with your baby’s adoptive family – as well as your social worker – before you sign your adoption paperwork. Make sure everyone knows exactly what you expect in terms of communication. This way, your adoption will look the way that you want it to.
Some possible ways to communicate in open adoption include:
- Chatting via text message
- Making phone calls
- Video calling
- Sending emails
- Sending pictures
- Visiting in-person
- Spending time together at a park
- Attending special family events
- And more
Not all birth moms want to communicate frequently. If you only want to talk with your child’s adoptive family once a year, that’s perfectly okay. Just let them know what your plans are so that everyone knows what to expect.
Choosing an Agency
When you’re ready to talk with someone about adoption for your baby, consider talking with an open-door adoption agency in Alaska that can guide you and answer your questions about the adoption process.
Alaska has many potential adoption agencies you can contact, including:
Reach out to several adoption agencies to ask questions and find out more information so that you’re able to choose the best adoption agency for you and your baby. When you call, make sure you take the time to ask as many questions about open adoptions in Alaska as you would like to. The more questions you ask, the more prepared you’ll be to make the best possible decision for you and your baby.
