Florida Adoption Options: What is Closed Adoption?

Written by Cynthia Knott

As you make your Florida adoption plan, you may be wondering, what is a closed adoption? You will have to decide the type of adoption you want. It is completely understandable if that choice gets confusing. There are three options to explore; open, semi-open, and closed. Each has many benefits, and it is important to choose the option that best suits you. Not everyone can commit to an open adoption, and that is okay.

Adoption Choices of Florida will help you find what is best for you to include in your Florida adoption plan. Our adoption agency will ensure that you can make an adoption plan that you are confident in. Closed adoptions allow you to go back to life as normal, all while knowing your child is in a nurturing environment. Every pregnant woman’s adoption journey is different and reflects what is best for them.

What is Closed Adoption?

Closed adoption is when a pregnant woman decides she wants to place her baby for adoption and doesn’t want to keep in contact with her child and adoptive family. This is the least involved type of adoption. If you choose a closed adoption, you will be able to move on knowing your child is with a loving family who is grateful for your gift.

You may worry that making this decision may be inherently harmful to your child, but that isn’t the case. Your child might understand your sacrifices and that you chose closed adoption for good reasons. It is completely understandable that sometimes closed adoption is what’s best. Your comfort level in making an adoption plan for your child is important. When deciding if you will maintain contact after the adoption process is finalized, there are many things to consider. Your concerns for your well-being are something you can discuss with your caseworker, family, and friends.

Post Adoption Will my Child Know Who I am?

In a closed adoption, your information is kept private. Your phone number, address, name, or any other identifying information will not be provided to your adoptive family. The only information shared with your adoptive family is your medical history to ensure that your child is happy and healthy.

You may feel that you are unable to or uncomfortable with sharing identifying information and want as little involvement as possible, so that you may benefit from closed adoptions. Only you know what you are comfortable with and capable of when it comes to your ability to keep in contact. In the end, your child will not know who you are, but they will appreciate the sacrifices you made for them.

What are Some Benefits to Closed Adoption?

The closed adoption experience varies between each birth mother because everyone’s experiences are unique. Placing a child for adoption can be a very emotional time no matter the circumstances; however, a closed adoption can allow you to separate yourself from the experience, so you can heal from that part of your life and try to heal. Some benefits may include:

• Allows you to deal with grief
• Ability to find closure
• A better sense of privacy
• Ability to go back to life as normal

It is completely valid to want to move on knowing your child is safe and happy. There is no shame in doing what is best for you mentally. Not everyone is comfortable with or ready to commit to a long-term relationship with their child. You need to heal physically, and mentally which might mean choosing a closed adoption.

Can I Gain Contact With my Birth Child after Adoption?

You may be considering a closed adoption because you are not ready for contact or updates about your child and need time to cope with your feelings. Choosing a closed adoption will make it hard to gain contact with your child later. Your child may not feel comfortable with meeting you later on. Your child might try to seek you later on, but it is not recommended due to your choice of a closed adoption. After the adoption is finalized, the closed adoption is set in place. If you are not entirely sure about wanting contact later on, then a closed adoption may not be best for you.

Our agency is available to discuss not only what a closed adoption fully entails but if it is truly the best choice for you. It can be hard to stay in contact with your child, that’s okay. After the adoption is finalized, we will also provide you with assistance to help you heal or deal with the final stages of the adoption plan. If you have any questions about choosing a closed adoption, please feel free to contact us.

Is Closed Adoption Best for you?

Your adoption plan is not complete until you explore all of the benefits of each type of adoption. Adoption Choices of Florida will provide you with a caseworker who will help you decide. We will listen to any concerns you have concerning how you want your relationship with your child and adoptive family to look like.

The choices are always the ones that make you feel most comfortable. This can be a hard decision, so it is okay to take your time. Do not stress and listen to your heart. Your child will be in a loving and nurturing environment, so the next step is allowing yourself to heal. Sometimes healing comes from a closed adoption.

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption, and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678