| Adoption can be an alternative for a women that is | | | | information. The majority of contact is done through |
| facing an unexpected pregnancy. Adoption is where | | | | the agency. Other details may be shared as each set |
| another family takes the child and raises it. There are | | | | of parents see fit. This type of adoption can |
| various types of adoptions and each one is handled | | | | sometimes make it difficult for a child to find their |
| based upon the wishes of the individuals involved. | | | | biological parents. Sometimes records can be sealed |
| There are two main types of adoption; open | | | | and changes made are made to permenant records |
| adoption and closed adoption. There is a lot of | | | | without much chance of recovering the original. |
| confusion over how exactly each type works. | | | | In both open and closed adoptions there are |
| Knowing the basic guidelines of each can help people | | | | variations. Both scenarios can involve the biological |
| understand the whole process better. | | | | parent remaining a part of the child's life. Sometimes |
| Open adoption is where identifying information, such | | | | pictures are exchanged or holidays are celebrated |
| as names and addresses, are exchanged. Both sets | | | | together. Adoption is a very flexible situation. |
| of parents know everything about the other, | | | | Open and closed adoption really only refers to the |
| including how to contact them. This type of adoption | | | | information exchanged between parents. In the end, |
| makes it easier for a child to find their biological | | | | everything is at the discretion of the people involved. |
| parents when they get older. The records kept are | | | | State laws can mandate different guidelines for both |
| easier to obtain and any changes, such as name | | | | types of adoption. The agency used may also have |
| changes, are more likely to be documented. | | | | their own policies. The best option for each situation |
| Closed adoption involves no exchanging of personal | | | | will be decided by the people and agencies involved. |