Communication in a Semi-Open Adoption in Kansas
Adoption comes with a lot of stigma and misconceptions. Many people assume adoption means dropping your baby with a stranger and never seeing them again, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Adoption comes in many variations and is very customizable. Semi-open adoption is no exception. In fact, you may be surprised to find that communication in a semi-open adoption is more easily accessible than you think.
If you’re looking into semi-open adoption in Kansas, you may have concerns about your ability and communication availability. No matter your reasons, needing to keep private doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the ability to check in. Semi-open adoption provides opportunities for you to stay in touch so you can rest easy.
If you want to learn more and see if it’s the right option for you, Adoption Choices of Kansas is here to answer any questions, provide support, and get you access to the resources you need. Adoption can be complicated, but you don’t have to do this alone. Our adoption counselors are compassionate experts and understand that every expectant mother and her situation is unique.
Education and access to the information you need to make an informed decision are essential. If you’re considering a semi-open adoption but are not sure how communication will work, we’ve got you covered. There are so many ways to communicate in a semi-open adoption, and we’ll highlight just a few.
What is Semi-Open Adoption?
A semi-open adoption is a type of adoption where no identifying information is shared between the birth mother and adoptive family. Communication is typically preferred between a third party, like an adoption agency or lawyer, to maintain privacy. This may seem a bit closed off, but it allows the birth mother to receive updates and pictures from the adoptive family without compromising either of their confidentiality. You can also send letters or emails to your child to receive when he or she gets older, which can be very special. Whatever your needs are, your adoption caseworker can adapt and make semi-open adoption work for you.
How is Communication Different in a Semi-Open Adoption Than in Other Adoption Types?
Semi-open adoption is a nice middle-ground between closed and open adoption. Expectant mothers who still want to know how their baby is doing but need or want to maintain their privacy benefit from semi-adoption. It’s unique in its duality. As aforementioned, it’s very adjustable and customizable. You can start with monthly letters and move up to weekly phone calls, video calls, or even in-person meetings. It all depends on what you and the adoptive parents are comfortable with.
4 Ways to Communicate in a Semi-Open Adoption
In the modern world of the internet, the possibilities for communication are virtually endless. Every semi-open adoption will look different, and it’s up to you and the adoptive parents to determine what’s appropriate and agreeable for everyone.
Here are some common ways to communicate in a semi-open adoption:
Email is an excellent way for adoptive parents to share updates and photos with the birth mother. Everything can easily be saved and stored, and you can even schedule emails to be sent in the future for your baby to read as they grow up.
- Letters and Cards
Writing letters and sending cards may feel a little old-fashioned. However, getting physical forms of communication is extremely special. Everything feels more special when it’s hand-written, especially by someone you care about.
- Video Calls
If exchanging phone numbers is not agreeable, there are so many video services options, especially now. Getting written updates is great, but being able to see someone, even if it’s through a computer screen, can be priceless.
- ChildConnect through Our Adoption Agency
In a semi-open adoption, you’ll get access to the ChildConnect Portal. This is where adoptive parents can safely and securely share photos, videos, and letters with the birth mother. Not only that, but also with the ChildConnect membership, adoptive parents can get reminders when updates are due with a customized update schedule.
Phone calls, text messages, and even in-person meetings are great options for communications, depending on the situation. Every semi-open adoption will look different, so be sure to talk with your adoption caseworker and see what other types of communication are available.
What Form of Communication in a Semi-Open Adoption is Right for You?
Communication will differ from family to family, and your adoption caseworker can help you determine what works best for you and your situation. Whether you need to remain anonymous and still want updates or weren’t completely sold on open adoption, but find yourself wanting more communication, Adoption Choices of Kansas can help you throughout the adoption journey.
Adoption isn’t one-note and can be tailored to your needs and wants. Just as adoption doesn’t mean giving up your baby, semi-open adoption doesn’t mean giving up the ability to communicate. No matter your reasons for choosing adoption — whether it’s open, semi-open or closed — you deserve the options to maintain privacy and peace of mind.
Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more!
Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071
Meet the Author: Michelle Brugioni is a practiced, well-versed college-educated writer and avid coffee drinker. She has ten years’ experience as a freelance writer, and has written for an alarmingly wide range of clients and publications. She has written on topics like: life science, biopharmaceutical company acquisitions, dealing with anxiety, and creative drinking games.
As a fearless writer and masterful researcher, each time Michelle is approached with the question, “Can you write this?” she responds confidently with, “When do you need it?”
