If you’ve been considering adoption for your baby, chances are that you have some questions about what open adoption in Arkansas is – and how it works.
Many birth moms think that when they choose adoption, they never get to see their baby again. They think that their baby goes to live in another state and vanishes, never to be contacted again. While it’s true that many adoptions were historically closed, meaning that birth moms and adoptive families didn’t talk after placement, this is no longer the case.
Today, almost all adoptions are open.
In this article, we’ll discuss open adoption in Arkansas and what you can expect.
What is Open Adoption in Arkansas?
Chances are that you’ve heard people talking about adoption and using phrases such as “closed adoption” or “open adoption in Arkansas,” but what do these phrases mean?
More importantly, which one is right for you?
When you choose adoption, you have two primary choices when it comes to the style of adoption: open and closed.
Open
The most common style practiced in modern adoptions today is open adoption in Arkansas.
This type of adoption means that you’re not saying goodbye forever – you’re saying goodbye for now.
With open adoption in Arkansas, you’ll be able to connect with your baby’s adoptive family on a regular basis. At the time the adoption takes place, you can share how often you’d like to touch base with your baby’s adoptive family and what style of communication works best for you.
Adoptive families and birth moms can communicate by:
- Sending text messages or emails
- Making phone calls
- Having video chats
- Meeting in person at a park
- Celebrating special events together in person
- Writing letters
- And more
One of the best reasons to choose open adoption in Arkansas is that you won’t ever have to worry about how your baby is doing. You’ll know.
Closed
When it comes to open adoption vs. closed adoption, it’s important to understand almost all modern adoptions have some level of openness.
That said, historical adoptions tended to be closed.
This type of adoption is sometimes called a “sealed” adoption.
When a birth mom chooses a closed adoption, no communication takes place after the adoption is finalized. In fact, most of the time, personally identifying information is never exchanged, including last names.
While it’s rare for a birth mom to choose a closed adoption, sometimes a birth mother might be living in an unsafe situation and feel that this is best. Other times, birth moms may not want anyone to know they chose adoption.
What Type of Adoption is Right For You?
As you’re researching closed and open adoptions in Arkansas, chances are that you’re struggling with your decision.
After all, choosing closed or open adoptions in Arkansas is a huge decision, and it’s one that will impact you in the future.
It’s a good idea to spend some time reading stories of adoption from other birth moms who have been there, and done that.
You can read birth mother stories on many websites, including the American Adoptions website. Sometimes reading stories from moms just like you who have chosen adoption is one of the best ways you can make your decision and start to move forward.
It’s also important to understand what open adoptions in Arkansas include, as well as what they don’t.
When you choose open adoption in Arkansas, you will not be co-parenting with the adoptive family. When you sign the legal documentation to terminate your parental rights, you are giving permission for your baby’s adoptive family to become their legal parents. This means that you will not be able to have a say in making decisions for your child; however, you will be able to build a relationship with your baby as they grow up.
Choosing open adoption in Arkansas is a beautiful choice since it means you can share important life events with your baby and build relationships with their adoptive family members.
If you’re not interested in communicating after placement or don’t want to stay in touch, you might find that closed adoption is the better option.
The best way to make your adoption decision is to contact an agency in your area that can help guide you during this time.
Choosing an Adoption Agency: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re choosing closed or open adoption in Arkansas, make sure you connect with an adoption agency in your area.
There are many adoption agencies in Arkansas, including:
The right adoption agency will guide you through the adoption process from start to finish. They’ll help you understand exactly what your rights and options are. They can also help you to plan your adoption experience so there are no surprises. Most importantly, your adoption agency will offer you the support you need throughout your adoption journey to ensure that you don’t feel alone as you navigate your adoption experience.
