Faces of Open Adoption

Birthmothers

RandiSue

"My counselor helped me look at all my options: what parenting would be like, what my goals were for my child and myself. I wondered if I could ever ﬁnd the right adoptive parents, but I did. I was nervous at ﬁrst, but we grew close, so fast, and felt comfortable together. We wanted the same thing: for the adoption to be open, and for Megan to know who I am and to have a real relationship with me."

Melissa

"Open adoption was the light when everything else was dark. It gave me the opportunity to have a relationship with my daughter, while making sure she’d get everything she needs. I love that I can call her any time; I love that we have a natural, close relationship. I will always know she’s safe and happy, and she’ll know that about me, too."

Robin

"I told everyone I wasn’t going to give up my baby. But then I found out about open adoption. I love my daughter so much, and this way I can see her living a life I wouldn’t have been able to give her myself. Natalie knows who I am, and my whole family gets to love her and see her growing up. I couldn’t have asked for better parents for her, or for a better relationship. If you saw us together, you’d think we were all one family."

Birthfathers

Robert

"I got involved in the adoption planning so I could be part of my daughter’s life. The counselor treated me well and made sure everybody felt comfortable. The adoptive parents are two of the coolest people I’ve ever met. After the placement I gave them a big hug and said, “You’re raising my daughter, we’re family.” Our daughter will know us, her heritage, and her background − which are really important for helping a child discover who they are."

Adopted Children

Kaya, age 9

"I can’t imagine not knowing my birth family. They love me, and it’s always fun to see them. People who think open adoption is confusing don’t understand that it’s not confusing for the kid. I’ve always known who my birthparents are and who my mom and dad are. I think it would be sad to have a closed adoption."

Birth Grandparents

Margaret

"I would never have guessed we would become so close to our birth granddaughter and her adoptive parents. We have several get-togethers each year involving extended family. The wonderful part of open adoption is seeing the doors it opens for everyone. And you can still play the role of loving grandparent."

“Jan Jamieson is a fabulous counselor. We were thrilled to have her as our personal counselor, as well as through both of our adoptions. She is patient, knowledgeable and gives all the right answers throughout the process. Whenever I called her I never felt like I was bothering her. ”

- Mary and Scott Brailsford

Open Adoption & Family Services, Oregon