Choosing adoption doesn’t mean saying “goodbye.” With an open adoption, you can stay connected and be part of your child’s life.
If you’re exploring open adoption for your baby, we can help you find adoptive families who are deeply committed to maintaining that lifelong bond after the adoption is complete.
This article will guide you through the steps of finding open adoption families in Wisconsin for your baby. If you’re ready to learn more or take the first step, contact us online or call or text 608-821-8221 to speak with a social worker.
Are There Open Adoption Waiting Families in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are many waiting families who are excited about open adoption in Wisconsin. Most of the families we work with are committed to having a direct relationship with birth parents. They consider their adopted child to be the greatest gift and want to respect your wishes.
As the expectant parent, you get to choose the level of contact you’re comfortable with. We’re here to support you through each step of the adoption process, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned with your adoption plan. This shared understanding can help lay the foundation for a meaningful post-placement relationship.
How to Find Open Adoption Families in Wisconsin
You’re not alone in this process. A social worker will be there every step of the way, helping you find the perfect family for your child. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Create an Adoption Plan
Your adoption plan is the roadmap that will guide your adoption journey. It includes details like the level of contact you want, the kind of family you envision for your child and how you’d like the hospital stay to go.
Step 2: Review Open Adoption Family Profiles
Our profiles include letters, photos and personal details to help you get to know each family. You can browse open adoption families online, or your social worker can provide a selection of profiles tailored to your preferences.
Step 3: Get to Know the Adoptive Parents You Choose
Once you’ve found a family you’re interested in, you’ll have the chance to meet them. This time together can help you decide whether they’re the right fit for your baby. If you change your mind, you can always review other profiles until you find the perfect match.
Types of Adoptions
There are three different types of adoption depending on the contact level you’re comfortable with:
Open Adoption
An open adoption allows you to stay involved and watch your child grow. Common forms of contact include letters, social media, emails, texts, phone calls and even in-person visits. Most adoptions today are open because they benefit everyone involved: birth parents, adoptive families and the adopted child.
Semi-Open Adoption
With a semi-open adoption, Adoptions of Wisconsin Inc. will facilitate communication between you and the adoptive family. Typically, adoptive parents send letters and photos through our agency, providing updates as your child grows.
Closed Adoption
In a closed adoption, there is no contact between you, your child or the adoptive family. Identifying information is kept private. You can still choose your child’s adoptive parents if you want, or you can let Adoptions of Wisconsin Inc. select a family for you.
9 Benefits of Open Adoption
Research has shown that open adoption has various benefits. Here are the advantages of this adoption type for the birth parents, adopted child and adoptive parents:
Birth Parents
Peace of mind: Knowing your child is safe and loved can ease your worries.
Closure: Staying connected can help you process your decision.
Ongoing connection: You can build a meaningful relationship with your baby and their adoptive parents.
Adopted Child
Strong identity: A child in an open adoption can better understand their background and culture.
Sense of belonging: Adopted children often feel reassured knowing they are loved by both their birth and adoptive families.
Expanded family: Open adoption provides children with an extended circle of people who care deeply for them.
Adoptive Parents
Affirmation: In an open adoption, the adoptive parents know they were specifically selected.
Reduced uncertainty: Open communication fosters understanding and strengthens the relationship.
Access to medical background: Adoptive parents can stay informed of any genetic health risks, helping them provide better care for the child.
An Open Adoption Story
Althea had an unplanned pregnancy when she was 17. She was still in school and knew she couldn’t give her son the life she envisioned for him. So, she started looking for open adoption families. When she found Dave and Stacy’s profile on Adoptions of Wisconsin Inc., she knew they were the perfect match. Althea met them in person before her 20-week scan because she was excited to get to know them more.
“They were very open and accepting of the idea of closed or open adoption,” she said. “They told me they wanted to work with me, and they understood that it was a big gift that I was giving them. They wanted to respect what I wanted.”
Over the course of the pregnancy, Althea got even closer to Dave and Stacy. They attended all her appointments, gave her little gift baskets, and even took unofficial maternity photos together. When Charlie was born, Althea wanted Dave to be the first one to hold him.
“It was the most supportive, awesome relationship that I could have asked for,” Althea said. “Seeing Dave hold Charlie was the biggest reward for me. It was literally watching a family be created.”
If you’re ready to view open adoption family profiles and start the process, reach out to us today. We’re here to support you at every step.
