If you’re thinking that adoption placement means you’ll lose contact with your child, you should know that’s not always the case. Through open adoption in Washington, you can be a part of your child’s life after placement.
The open adoption definition in Washington states that it’s an adoption involving post-placement contact between the parties. Open adoption in Washington gives you a way to stay in touch with your child and see them thrive in their new home.
Open adoption in Washington is encouraged by most adoption professionals because it benefits everyone. You can learn more about open adoption in WA by completing our online form and speaking with an adoption professional.
What is an open adoption in Washington? We cover open adoptions in Washington in this guide and the differences between closed adoption, semi-open adoption, and open adoption in WA. Read on to learn more.
What is Open Adoption in Washington?
What is open adoption in Washington? Open adoption in Washington features free contact and information sharing between those involved. Open adoption in Washington is a collaborative way for adoptive parents and birth parents to work on behalf of the child’s best interest out of mutual love.
Some of the positive aspects of open adoptions in Washington include:
- Your child will know exactly who they are.
- You can watch your child grow and know they are well.
- You can provide family medical information.
- You enjoy easy access to adoption records.
- You can engage with your child in person.
- You can guard your kid from negative feelings related to their adoption.
- You can play a role in your child’s extended family.
What Are the Negative Aspects of Open Adoption in Washington?
What does open adoption mean in Washington in terms of the possible drawbacks? The supposed negative outcomes associated with open adoption in Washington aren’t considered valid by modern adoption professionals, and that’s why most recommend open adoptions in WA.
Open adoption in WA is good for everyone and puts you in control of the post-placement relationship between you and your child. You choose the information that’s shared and how frequently you communicate. Each open adoption in Washington is unique, but most open adoptions in Washington include features like:
- Open communication
- Shared contact info
- Direct engagement between the participants
- Family medical history information
You choose the family you want to parent your child and which adoption contact arrangement is best. If open adoption in Washington interests you, seek an agency that promotes it.
Below are a few agencies in Washington that partner with birth mothers on open adoptions in WA.
- American Adoptions
- Adoption and Surrogacy Services
- Journeys of the Heart Adoption
- Open Adoption and Family Services
- Connected by Love Adoptions
- Adoption Services of Spokane
- Open Arms Adoption Agency
What is semi-open adoption in Washington?
Semi-open adoption in Washington is a lot like open adoption in Washington, but the contact in semi-open adoption in Washington is not as detailed. Your adoption professional can moderate the contact in semi-open adoption in Washington if you’d like a buffer between you and the adoptive family. In some cases, there’s no direct interaction between the parties at all.
The information shared in semi-open adoption in WA often includes:
- The names of those involved
- The geographical location of the birth parents
- Critical family medical information
- Biographical info on the birth parents
Only you know if continuing contact with your child is right for you. If you’d like to protect your privacy and watch your child develop from afar, then semi-open adoption in Washington may be right for you.
What’s closed adoption in Washington?
Open adoption in Washington isn’t in the best interest of every pregnant woman, especially if continued contact poses a danger to those involved. Some women just want to move on with their lives after placement, and that’s fine, too. In either circumstance, closed adoption gives you a way to do that.
Closed adoption was once common, but it’s become less frequent due to the negative consequences for those involved. Closed adoption is possible if you don’t want contact with your child or their adoptive family. Most adoption professionals warn against it because no information is shared, and there’s no ongoing contact.
Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption in Washington: Understanding the Differences
Open vs. closed adoption in Washington are vastly different from one another. The primary difference is the nature and frequency of the contact associated with each of them. In open adoption in WA, any contact is allowed but in closed adoption, there’s no contact and no information exchanged.
If you’ve not yet decided between closed adoption vs. open adoption in Washington, please know there are some potential negative outcomes associated with closed adoption, such as:
- You won’t know how your child is doing.
- You can’t share family medical information.
- You can’t protect your child from emotions like rejection or abandonment.
- You can’t reunite with your child easily in the future.
Again, most adoption professionals encourage open adoption in Washington. That’s because the supposed benefits of closed adoption have been debunked, which makes semi-open and open adoption in Washington the best option for many pregnant women.
No matter whether you choose closed vs. open adoption in Washington, you should still take all the time you need to process your options. Your choice will shape your relationship with your child, so consider it well.
Are Open Adoptions in Washington Enforced by the Courts?
Open adoptions in Washington that include post-adoption contract agreements are addressed by state law. They are enforceable by law only if they are part of a court order. Fortunately, enforcement isn’t usually necessary because the parties participate out of shared love of their child and an understanding of the benefits of open adoption in Washington.
To find out more about open adoption in Washington, please speak with a licensed adoption professional to get a better understanding of how the law may shape your experience.
Where to Get Additional Information on Open Adoption in Washington
What is open adoption in Washington? It means something different for everyone involved in adoption. The one constant, however, is that the birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees all benefit from open adoption in Washington, which is why it’s the choice of many expectant women.
Open adoption in Washington isn’t right for everyone, and only you know what’s best for you. To discuss the various adoption arrangements and how they can impact your experience, simply connect with an adoption professional by completing our online form.
