What is Semi-Open Adoption?

Semi-open adoption offers a middle ground between open and closed adoption, providing structured communication while maintaining some boundaries. In semi-open adoption arrangements:

• Birth parents and adoptive families exchange letters, photos, and updates on a predetermined schedule
• Communication is typically mediated through the adoption agency or attorney
• Personal identifying information may be shared, but direct contact is limited
• Meetings may occur before placement, but ongoing face-to-face contact is usually not part of the arrangement
• The adoption agency facilitates all correspondence to ensure appropriate boundaries

This type of adoption appeals to birth parents who want to receive updates about their child’s well-being but prefer a more structured approach to ongoing contact.