Open adoption: adoptive parents' reactions two decades later

Area of Science:

• Adoption studies
• Family psychology
• Child development

Background:

• Historically, adoption was closed, limiting contact between birth and adoptive families.
• Contemporary adoption agencies increasingly facilitate open adoption arrangements.
• Open adoption allows for information exchange and direct contact between parties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the long-term impacts of open adoption on adoptive parents and their children.
• To understand evolving parental perspectives on open adoption over time.
• To identify challenges and successful management strategies in open adoption relationships.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 44 adoptive parents in New England.
• Participants adopted infants via open adoption arrangements starting in 1988.
• Longitudinal, tape-recorded interviews were conducted every seven years, with the latest focusing on children in young adulthood.

Main Results:

• Adoptive parents generally reported positive feelings about knowing and having contact with birth parents.
• Regardless of the specific type of openness, parents expressed comfort with open adoption.
• The study found that open adoption is perceived by parents as serving the child's best interests.

Conclusions:

• Open adoption fosters positive relationships and is considered beneficial for children's well-being.
• Longitudinal research highlights the adaptability and positive outcomes of open adoption over time.
• Findings offer insights for clinical social work practice, policy, and guidance for families navigating open adoption.