An Introduction to Nevada Semi-Open Adoption 

One of the key ways in which adoption has evolved over the last few decades is that it has become increasingly common for birth mothers, adoptive parents, and adoptees to experience some level of contact after placement. While some birth mothers seek frequent contact with the adoptive family and birth child offered through open adoption, others prefer more minimal contact made possible through semi-open adoption. 

If you are considering adoption, but you feel that open adoption is too overwhelming and closed adoption is too limiting, perhaps semi-open adoption is a better fit for you. Through this introduction to semi-open adoption, Adoption Choices of Nevada will clarify what this choice entails so you can better plan the next steps in your adoption journey. 

Semi-Open Adoption Protects Your Privacy 

A central characteristic of semi-open adoption is that your personal information and the adoptive family’s personal information, such as last names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, remain undisclosed. This level of privacy provides the birth mother with some distance from the adoptive family and the child, so she can heal more easily. It can also give the adoptive family some peace of mind that the birth mother is less likely to overstep boundaries and interfere with their parenting. Additionally, keeping the child’s identity private can protect him or her from individuals in the birth mother’s life who can potentially pose a threat to his or her safety. 

Indirect Contact is Typical in Semi-Open Adoption

Although semi-open adoption does not entail as much direct contact as open adoption, it is still possible to have a channel of communication with the adoptive family even after placement occurs. Since you don’t know the adoptive family’s personal information, and they don’t know yours, you might be wondering how this can be achieved. In order to protect your privacy and the privacy of the adoptive family, most, if not all, communication is mediated by the adoption agency. 

When you work with Adoption Choices of Nevada, your adoption caseworker will help you set up an account on a secure, confidential online portal we use called ChildConnect. Through this, you and the adoptive parents can send letters, emails, or photos back and forth to each other. This, in turn, gives you the opportunity to watch your birth child grow up, even if it is from a distance. We can also mediate any initial phone calls or in-person meetings with the adoptive family so you have a chance to get to know them better before placing the child with them. You can be assured that we will keep your personal information as confidential as you want at all times.

Your Semi-Open Adoption can Evolve Over Time

In the early years after placement, you might consistently communicate with the adoptive family. As time goes on, you might exchange more frequent updates than you originally anticipated. You could even expand your communications with the adoptive family to phone calls or in-person visits, which can allow you to develop a closer relationship with the adoptive family and your birth child. 

On the other hand, you might experience less consistent communication over the years, or even long communication gaps. You might find that you prefer maintaining distance from the adoptive family, and decide to close off any further contact. In either case, the flexibility that semi-open adoption offers can allow you to tailor the adoption to your needs over time. 

You are Still in Control of Your Semi-Open Adoption Journey 

You don’t lose any control over the adoption process when you pursue semi-open adoption. You still get to create and execute an adoption plan that fits your needs, which includes selecting the adoptive family. You can even speak or meet with them in person before placement under the mediation of Adoption Choices of Nevada. If you prefer, you can also request that the adoptive family is present during the delivery of the baby. Remember that you can change your mind about the adoption up until you have relinquished your parental rights. 

Are You Ready to Begin Your Semi-Open Adoption Journey?

Taking that first step as you embark on your adoption journey can be difficult. But the more information and resources you have, the more confident you can be when you step into the adoption process. This introduction to semi-open adoption can serve as the start of a new chapter in your life that you can look back on with no regrets. 

When you reach out to Adoption Choices of Nevada, we can help you follow through with every step in your adoption journey, no matter what form it takes. 

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can also call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-738-4673 (Elko) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).

Meet the Author: Mary DeStefano is an Ohio native currently living in northern Virginia and works in the litigation consulting industry where she has experience in antitrust, product liability, and mass torts matters. She holds a B.A. in Economics (‘15) and an M.A. in Applied Economics (‘16) from the University of Cincinnati. 

Mary is passionate about empowering and supporting those involved in the adoption and surrogacy processes. She finds great meaning in wielding the written word to develop impactful narratives and to help people stay informed. In her spare time, Mary can be found beachcombing and going on other adventures with her dog along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She also has an affinity for antiquing and loves a good 80’s movie marathon.