April 12, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What is Semi-Open Adoption in Missouri?

If you are a pregnant woman in Missouri, you are probably aware that there are several different types of adoption for you to consider when putting your baby up for adoption. How do you know which one is right for you? The best way to make that decision is to become familiar with your available choices. Let’s explore semi-open adoption.

What is Semi-Open Adoption?

Just like the name suggests, this type of adoption falls somewhere in the middle of open and closed adoption. It can be a good choice if you want some updates about her child, but also want to maintain your privacy.

Here are some key aspects of semi-open adoption:

Communication in a Semi-Open Adoption is Conducted through a Third Party

In a semi-open adoption, you will still have the opportunity to receive updates and information about your child. However, you will not be communicating directly with him or her or the adoptive family. Rather, all your communication will be facilitated by a third party.

What does that mean? It simply means that Adoption Choices of Missouri will help mediate your interactions with the adoptive parents and your child through ChildConnect, a secure and safe online portal. Rather than sending an email or a letter directly to your birth child, you and the adoptive parents will be able to exchange letters, updates and photos with each through ChildConnect.

You have Privacy in a Semi-Open Adoption

Similar to a closed adoption, any identifying information in a semi-open adoption is kept private. You won’t share this kind of information with your child’s adoptive family, nor will they share information about themselves with you. Communication usually occurs via email, letters or photographs. In-person meetings are very rare, although you may choose to have your child’s adoptive family at the hospital during the child’s birth.

You can Choose Your Child’s Adoptive Family in a Semi-Open Adoption

You will have the option to choose your child’s adoptive family if you elect to have a semi-open adoption. You will have access to our adoption agency’s extensive portfolios of potential adoptive families. In these, you’ll be able to read bios about each adoptive family and select a couple or individual who seems like a good fit for your baby.

Your adoption caseworker is available to support you through this decision process. She can answer any questions you have and facilitate any meetings or conversations with the potential adoptive family. The final decision is still up to you, but you will have plenty of support should you need it.

How Do I Know if Semi-Open Adoption is Right for Me?

It can be tempting to rely on others to make difficult decisions for us. However, you know yourself and your situation best. Listen to yourself when it comes to making this choice and respect your own decisions. The best choice is the one that feels right for you and your baby.

If you need support, try reaching out to family or friends whom you trust. It can be helpful to talk things over before making any final decisions. You can also turn to your adoption caseworker for support. Additionally, if you feel the need to speak to a professional at any point during your adoption journey, our Adoption Choices of Missouri offers counseling services to all pregnant women considering adoption.

Will You Choose Semi-Open Adoption?

If you are a birth mother in Missouri and are deciding which type of adoption is right for you, take some time to consider the benefits of each of your adoption options. Now that we have answered the question of what is semi-open adoption, use this knowledge to help inform your decision.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Adoption Choices of Missouri. We are always happy to educate you further around the features of semi-open adoption. Our top priority is that you have the information and confidence to make the best decision for you and your baby.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800

Meet the Author: Molly Doyle is a native San Franciscan, Molly is an experienced educator and a dedicated writer. She holds her multiple subject teaching credential as well as her Masters of Arts in Teaching. When not teaching children or creating new written pieces, Molly can be found kicking around a soccer ball, going for urban hikes or whipping up a fruit pie.