Living in Open Adoption


How to maintain contact with your adopted child’s birth family in open adoption, from letters and texting to phone calls and in-person visits.

advocating for open adoption

“Open Minds, Open Hearts”

Five years ago, my husband Pat and I knew nothing about open adoption. Today, we are staunch advocates of it and the very proud parents of two beautiful children who came home to us through open adoption. The journey to our children and to lovingly accept open adoption, however, was not an easy one. We learned that having an open mind was the key to having an open heart.

Adoption Experts answer your questions.

Ask AF: When a Teen Wants to Know Both Birth Parents

Q: My 14-year-old knows her birth mother, but her birth father never wanted to be a part of her life, and is currently incarcerated. She wrote him a letter several months ago and didn’t get a response, and has been struggling with this. Her older brother has good relationships with both of his birth parents, which I believe makes it harder for her.

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