Closed, Semi-Open, and Open Adoption

The amount of contact between the birthparents and the adoptive family is a decision made by the two parties. The agency helps draft an agreement, which the adoptive family and birthparents will sign. It is common for birthparents to want to exchange letters and pictures and some choose to have visits facilitated by Wyoming Children’s Society’s staff.

Adoptions can be open, semi-open or closed. A closed adoption is where the birth parent has requested not to select or meet the adoptive parent of their baby. A semi-open  or cooperative  adoption is when the birth parent desires to meet the adoptive family selected and continue to receive photographs and letters; however, limited identifying information is shared. In some instances, visits after placement may occur if all parties agree. An open adoption is where the birth parent has an expectation of ongoing and direct contact and visits with the adoptive family and the child. The majority of Wyoming Children’s Society adoptions are semi-open, although the number of open adoptions is increasing.