One common misconception about adoptions is that there is little to no contact between an adoptive family and a birth mother after an adoption placement occurs.

While this is the case in closed adoptions, most modern adoptions are open.

Open adoptions in Arkansas allow you, as a birth mother, to continue contact with your child after a finalized adoption. The adoption arrangement will depend on your needs and preferences as a birth mother.  

In collaboration with an adoption specialist, you will develop an adoption plan that outlines the way that you want each part of your journey to go, including the details of your relationship with your baby’s adoptive family. You will get to decide the frequency and mode of contact – or you will decide against continued contact.

If you are ready to start the adoption process, contact a professional today.

What is Open Adoption in Arkansas?

Open adoption in Arkansas is an agreement between birth mother and adoptive parents that they will continue contact after the adoption is final. Open adoptions in Arkansas look many different ways – from mediated photos and letters, to direct emails or text messages, and even in-person visits. Whether you are extremely close or you just keep the lines of communication open, contact is beneficial to the whole adoption triad:

• Birth Parents: Open adoption allows birth parents to continue a relationship with their baby and allows them to watch their child grow up. They will get updates on their baby’s well-being and development, and even have some contact if that is desired.
• Adoptive Families: Hopeful adoptive families will have an easier time finding a match if they are open to contact with the birth parents, and they are often surprised at the bond that can develop between the birth parent and adoptive family. Also, maintaining a relationship allows the adoptive parents access to health information that can be beneficial if the child has any health complications.
• Adopted Children: An open adoption relationship with a child’s birth parents gives them answers to questions they will inevitably have about their parents and their adoption. This eases a lot of the challenges that are often experienced as a child begins to mature and explore their identity.  

While adoption professionals acknowledge the need for closed adoptions for some women, they are highly supportive of open adoption in most cases. They know that continued contact can be a very positive experience for the adoptee.

Open adoption in Arkansas contact can include:

• Pictures and letters (mediated or not)
• Emails and text messages
• Phone calls and video calls
• In-person visits

At this point, you might be wondering, “Are there open adoption agencies in Arkansas?”

Since open adoption is so common, you will find that nearly every private domestic agency will facilitate an open adoption. You are in control. If you want an open adoption, contact the following agencies to assist you:

• American Adoptions
• Searcy Children’s Homes
• Grace Adoptions
• An Angel’s Choice

How Will I Find an Adoptive Family Who Wants an Open Adoption in Arkansas?

It is not difficult to find adoptive parents who are willing to agree to an open adoption in Arkansas. Sometimes there is hesitancy at first, but the education they receive from adoption specialists often reassures adoptive parents that a level of openness is best for their child. Increasingly, families understand the many benefits of an open adoption relationship.

You will first consult with your adoption specialist about the type of adoption that you desire, and then they will find adoptive families whose preferences match yours. This way, you will have the peace of mind that the families who you are given to consider are open to the kind of adoption relationship you want.

The next step will be to develop a postadoption contact agreement (PACA) with your adoption specialist. These are sometimes called open adoption agreements, and they outline your post-adoption relationship preferences. They can be a simple, informal understanding or a formal contract in writing.

When working with the right agency, you will find that they will counsel both birth mothers and adoptive families to stay true to one’s word when entering into an Arkansas open adoption agreement.

Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption in Arkansas

Many birth mothers think that they must choose one extreme or the other — either no contact or frequent contact with their child and their adoptive parents. This is not true.

You have a lot of choice in the matter, and your adoption agreement doesn’t need to compare to any other adoption agreement. If you are torn between the two choices, you can consider a semi-open adoption, which can involve mediated communication or an agreed-upon period where you will receive updates.

As you consider what you would like, you might want to hear about the pros and cons of open adoption in Arkansas. While a closed adoption can provide the privacy and anonymity that some women need, there are many benefits to open adoption:

• You can watch your child grow. After an adoption is final, there is a period of healing that a woman goes through. Knowing that you will get updates, pictures, or even scheduled visits can help you move forward with confidence.
• You will gain lifelong connections. Through open adoption, you can cultivate a unique relationship that you will share with no one else. The bond between the adoption triad can be a beautiful thing.
• You will be able to answer your child’s questions. It can be difficult to know that your child might struggle to understand their adoption. Open adoption will allow you to answer some of the things they are curious to know and understand.  
• You can update your health history. Open adoption allows you to inform your child about any risk factors they may have.

The benefits are clear. Open adoption is good for the birth parents, adoptee, and adoptive parents. Still, closed adoptions in Arkansas are sometimes necessary.

A closed adoption means that identifying information will be kept private during and after the adoption. Additionally, the birth mother and the adoptive family will exchange little to no information.

Reasons birth mothers consider a closed adoption include:

• They need emotional closure after placement.
• They have safety concerns that make an open adoption undesirable.
• They require privacy.

This is your adoption, and you get to decide what kind of relationship suits you best. And while it is your decision, you will receive support throughout your journey. Adoption professionals will guide you through your decision and mediate communication as much as needed.

If you are ready to speak with an Arkansas adoption specialist about the type of adoption you want, contact an agency today.