Three Types of Adoptions:

1.An open adoption keeps both birthparents and parents in contact with each other. This can vary greatly in scope, and involves anything from occassional pictures and letter to scheduled visits with the birthparents. This type of adoption is becoming more popular. It can also be emotionally taxing for all parents involved, and possibly confusing for the child. However, this form of adoption can help to prevent confusion for the child as he grows older, because nothing has been hidden from the start.

2.A closed adoption provides no commication between the birthparents and the parents. This type of adoption allows each set of parents to move on with their lives without looking back, and never creates any ties that would otherwise have to be broken. This situation elminates possible confusion for the child having to cope with two sets of parents, as in an open adoption.

3.A private adoption is one in which the no adoption agency is involved. The birthparents and parents deal directly with each other, though often still with legal assistance.

International Adoption

An international adoption means the child lives in a different country from the parents.

Special Needs Children

Many adoptions involve special needs children. This term includes a much wider range of needs than you might expect. Physically and mentally handicapped children fall into this category.

Biracial Adoption

Children whose birthparents are of different races. Unfortunately, these children are often not as sought after as single-race children.

Home Study

One of the first steps for the future parents is to schedule a home study. This is usually a requirement of the state, and is intented to verify that the couple is able to parent.

Adoption Agency

A social services organization that provides counseling and other assistance to birthparents. If the birthparents decide to place their child for adoption, the agency can also help them choose the new parents. A state social services department can also function much like an agency.