Definition of a Semi-Open Adoption

A semi-open adoption is a type of adoption that is designed to be a combination of both a closed and an open adoption. Direct communication after the adoption is limited in whatever way is agreed upon by the birth parents and adoptive parents.

Identifying information, such as last names, addresses, and telephone numbers, are not exchanged, while the sharing of photographs or other information for an agreed frequency and duration of time is common. The birth parents are still able to review written records regarding potential adoptive parents and select the ones they feel are best. All communication, however, takes place through a third party, which is usually an adoption agency, an adoption attorney, or a designated intermediary. Visits between the birth parents and the adopted child can be hosted by the adoption agency or attorney if this is specified by you, although this is less common in a semi-open adoption.

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