How to Successfully Communicate in a Semi-Open Adoption in Nevada

Having a successful semi-open adoption begins with putting together a strong adoption plan that meets your needs. One of the most important components of planning your semi-open adoption is determining how you want to communicate with the adoptive family. There are many different ways to approach communication within semi-open adoption, and having a clear vision of what that communication will look like will pave the way to a fulfilling adoption experience.

It’s important to us at Adoption Choices of Nevada that you understand how to successfully communicate in a semi-open adoption. Through this introduction to semi-open adoption communication, you can be better prepared to take those first steps toward a successful placement and life as a birth mother.

Things to Consider Before Finalizing Your Semi-Open Adoption

When you are pursuing a semi-open adoption, the nature of your communication with the adoptive family will be indirect from the very beginning, since it will be handled by a third party. This is a good time to figure out if you prefer handling communication this way, or if you would prefer to have more frequent and direct communication. As you create your semi-open adoption plan, you also want to carefully think about how balanced you want the communication to be between you and the adoptive family, so that expectations are set and clear to everyone.

Facilitating Communication in Semi-Open Adoption

You might be wondering how communication will work out in a semi-open adoption if you and the adoptive family won’t be in direct contact with each other. When you work with Adoption Choices of Nevada, you will have the opportunity to create an account with ChildConnect.

ChildConnect is a secure online portal that allows you to exchange letters, photos, documents, and messages with the adoptive family without exposing your private information. It’s also a reliable way for you to pass along any important information to the adoptive family such as the discovery of any medical conditions that the child might be at risk of developing. This ensures that communication with the adoptive family is convenient, timely, and private.

Sending and Receiving Letters and Emails in a Semi-Open Adoption

Using the written word can be an impactful way to express your love for your birth child. It can also be a great way to tell your adoption story to your birth child when he or she is older. Letters and emails can also be an effective way for you to communicate if you aren’t comfortable speaking with the adoptive family over phone or video. Additionally, receiving letters from the adoptive family can be comforting as you read how your loving choice has brought so much joy and fulfillment to their lives.

Exchanging Adoption Photos to Cherish Forever 

Sharing and receiving photos is another great way to maintain your relationship with the adoptive family and your birth child. Like letters and emails, they can capture what’s going on in the life of your birth child, from major milestones to the little, joy-filled moments. These photos can also serve as a way for you to watch the child grow up and thrive with his or her adoptive family.

Making Phone or Video Calls in a Semi-Open Adoption

Even in a semi-open adoption, it’s possible to share quality time with your birth child and his or her adoptive family via phone or video call. Simply hearing the child’s voice or seeing them in real time can bring you some peace of mind about their well-being. It also allows you to see their personality shine through. Being able to talk with your birth child gives you the opportunity to tell them that you love them and to deepen your connection with them.

Other Ways to Communicate in a Semi-Open Adoption

In addition to the above methods of connecting with your birth child and his or her adoptive family, you can find other ways to reach out to them with the help of your adoption agency. For example, Adoption Choices of Nevadais more than happy to send along any gifts or mementos between you and the adoptive family. Additionally, while in-person meet-ups are not typical in semi-open adoptions, we can mediate the occasional visit if you wish. In any case, we will not disclose your personal information at any time to protect your privacy.

How will You Stay Connected in Your Semi-Open Adoption?

No matter how you decide to communicate with your birth child and their adoptive family, it’s important to make sure that you are consistent so you don’t lose touch with each other. Having a consistent and reliable means of communication can give you something to look forward to, and it can also give you some peace of mind.

If you want to learn more about how to successfully communicate in a semi-open adoption, Adoption Choices of Nevadacan provide you with the proper guidance and resources so you can develop a semi-open adoption plan that will meet your communication goals.

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.