The decision to place your child up for adoption is never an easy one. It is not something that any person takes lightly. In fact, much time, thought and emotion goes into this choice. If you have decided to place your child up for adoption it is important that you understand your options. There are different types of adoption and there is no one size fits all solution. To determine what type of adoption suits you best learn more about open adoption, semi-open adoption, closed adoption, relative adoption, foster adoption and safe haven adoption.

Open Adoption

There is no hard and fast way to describe open adoption. The primary difference between open adoption and other types of adoption is that open adoption provides the opportunity for birth parents to be involved in their child’s life. The level of involvement is determined prior to the birth of the child and contractually agreed upon by both the adoptive parents and the birth parents. The involvement may include updates via e-mail, phone, letter or pictures and in some cases visits. In an open adoption birth parents also get the opportunity to screen and select adoptive parents should they choose to do so.

Semi-open Adoption

This type of adoption is somewhat like an open adoption during the selection part of the adoption process. General information such as location and first name will be exchanged, but specific information such as phone numbers, last names and addresses are left anonymous. If both parties agree meetings can be arranged before the adoption process takes place either by phone or in person. However, after the adoption process is final any correspondence that was agreed upon ahead of time is handled through a third party such as an adoption agency or lawyer. This is done so that anonymity is maintained between the involved parties.

Closed Adoption

This type of adoption is exactly as it sounds, closed and confidential. During the closed adoption process the identity of the birth parents and adoptive parents is kept entirely confidential. What’s more, is that no contact takes place between either party before, during or after the placement of the child. Additionally, the birth parents in a closed adoption do not usually select the adoptive parents, this is done by an agency or lawyer.

Relative Adoption

In this type of adoption a child is placed for adoption with a relative of their birth parents. The adoption process is slightly more relaxed and less formal in most states in cases of relative adoption. In most states to qualify for a relative adoption a person must be related to the child by either blood, half-blood or marriage. For instance, an uncle aunt, grandparent or adult sibling would qualify. These situations are usually handled as open adoptions with communication and participation from the birth parents. However, the relative that adopts the child is considered their parent in the eyes of the law.

Foster Adoption

When a child is taken from their parents by the state they are placed in foster care. Once the legal wheels have turned and the rights of the birth parents have been terminated the child becomes eligible for adoption. In cases such as these the foster parents can then legally adopt the child making them a permanent part of their family.

Safe Haven Adoption

Safe haven adoptions take place when a woman anonymously relinquishes her infant child under the safe haven law. Safe haven laws allow mothers to leave their infant children at designated locations such as hospitals, police or fire stations. This is all legal and the mother is not charged with abandonment or neglect. Once relinquished a waiting period begins that allows the mother to reclaim her child. When the waiting period has expired the child is placed with adoptive parents and the birth parents rights are terminated.