What is Closed Adoption in California?

When you decide to welcome a child into your home through adoption, you’ll have some decisions to make.

One of those decisions is, “What type of adoption do I want?”

There are many different types of adoption, including closed, semi-closed and open adoptions.

You’ve probably heard some of these terms before, but what is a closed adoption in California? And how can you know what the closed adoption pros and cons in California are?

If you’re ready to start the adoption process, there are a few things you need to know about adoption styles.

Keep reading to learn some of these differences or, if you’re ready to talk with an adoption specialist, get free information now.

Closed Adoption in California: What You Need to Know

A closed adoption in California means that there will be no contact between the adoptive family and birth parents before or after placement. No identifying information will be shared, and each will go their separate ways after the process is over.

The final decision as to the type of adoption will be up to the birth mother. If they’re comfortable with an open adoption, that’s definitely a possibility. If the birth mother prefers a closed or semi-closed adoption, that’s perfectly OK, too.

While closed adoption in California was once the most common method of adoption, this is no longer the case.

Modern adoption tends to favor an open adoption since there are many benefits to the child, including:

• Stronger sense of self
• Better understanding of their heritage
• Ability to form a relationship with the birth family

While closed adoptions in California are still possible, they can be more challenging for the adoptee to deal with as they get older.

Benefits of Open Adoption

Open adoption means a chance for answers.

One of the biggest reasons to choose open adoption is that your child will have the opportunity to know who they are and where they came from.

They’ll be able to ask their birth parents questions. Some of those questions might be big things, such as, “Why did you choose adoption?” Adoptees may have simpler questions, though, like, “What was your favorite hobby when you were younger?”

There are other benefits, too.

For birth parents, an open adoption means they’ll be able to:

• Watch their child growing up
• Know they chose the right family for their child
• Communicate with the adoptive parents

Adoptive parents will also benefit from an open adoption.

One of the most challenging aspects of being an adoptive parent is helping your child form a positive identity around their adoption story. With closed adoptions in California, many adoptive parents struggle to find ways to communicate about the adoption.

With open adoption, a child can have a connection to their biological heritage, find answers about their adoption directly from their birth parents, and see their story as one of love, rather than rejection.

Adoptive parents will be able to:

• Discuss their child’s medical history with the birth parents
• Connect with the child’s birth family, including extended family
• Speak openly with their child about the adoption
• Help normalize adoption
• Answer their child’s questions about adoption

What Do Birth Mothers Think of Open Adoption?

Angelica, a birth mother, spent a lot of time discussing her wishes for adoption before choosing the adoptive family for her child. Open adoption means that she gets yearly visits with her child, as well as communication when she wants it.

Angelica says, “I know that she’s going to have the best life she could ever have. I don’t ever want anything to stand in her way, and I know she has two people that she can look up to.”

Another birth mother, Lindsey, receives weekly pictures, videos and phone calls from her child’s adoptive family. Lindsey has a positive view of open adoption since it means her child will know where she came from.

Lindsey says, “It’s not something that I want to keep from her. It’s not a secret; it’s not anything I’m ashamed of.”

Historically, many families did opt for a closed adoption in California, but times are changing.

Now, adoptees are able to communicate more easily with their birth families, talk about their adoption with their adoptive parents and develop an understanding of just how many people truly care about them and worked hard to make the adoption happen.

If you’re ready to consider adoption, get free information when you call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our contact form online.

We’d love to help you begin your adoption journey.

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