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Open Adoption in Missouri: What do You Need to Know?

woman considering to adopt

The majority of adoptions today are open. What is an open adoption? It means an expectant or birth mother communicates directly with the adoptive couple she selects as her child’s parents. 

Learn more about the various adoption plans and how choosing an open adoption could be perfect for you and your child.

What are the Different Adoption Plans?

Finding out you are unexpectedly pregnant is a shock. Once you accept the news, it’s time to decide what to do. For some women who cannot care for their child, placing them for adoption is the best answer. 

Here are the three adoption plans:

Open

In an open adoption, the birth parents and the adoptive couple exchange identifying information such as full names, addresses, and phone numbers. With this plan, the expectant or birth mother chooses the adoptive parents and the future she wants for her child. They can arrange to meet beforehand and begin building a relationship immediately.

Semi-Open

This plan is similar to an open adoption but provides the birth parents more privacy. Instead of openly communicating with the adoptive couple, a third party, such as an adoption agency, handles all contact. The expectant or birth mother can still select the adoptive parents, but only first names are exchanged.

Closed

Although rare, some women prefer to remain completely anonymous. They do not want contact with the adoptive couple or their child moving forward. The adoption agency selects the adoptive couple; no identifying information is shared.

What are the Advantages of Open Adoption?

Adoption can have various levels of openness, and the plan can change as you get to know one another. The following are a few of the benefits of choosing an open adoption plan:

For the Birth Parents:

  • Control over who raises your child when you select the potential adoptive couple
  • Peace of mind knowing your child is loved and sincerely wanted
  • Ongoing contact with the adoptive couple and your child as they grow
  • More satisfaction with the adoption process
  • You can explain why you chose adoption for your child

For Your Child:

  • Greater sense of security in knowing their birth family
  • The ability to ask questions
  • An understanding of the reasons for adoption
  • A sense of identity as they connect with their heritage
  • A better understanding of the differences they have from their adoptive family

What is a Written Post-Adoption Contact Agreement?

In Missouri, the birth parents and the adoptive parents can enter into a written contact agreement. The court approves the agreement at or before the finalization of the adoption if it is in the child’s best interest. In addition, the court can enforce or modify the agreement. 

The agreement must include:

  • Acknowledgment by the birth parents that the adoption is final, even if the adoptive parents do not abide by the post-adoption contract
  • Admission by the adoptive parents that the birth parents can seek to enforce the agreement
  • The understanding that the court approves and files the agreement in order to be enforceable
  • The birth parents acknowledge they consent to the adoption regardless of the post-adoption contact agreement

How Can A Gift of Hope Adoptions Help Me?

None of the choices for your unexpected pregnancy are easy. Make sure you choose an adoption agency that can provide you with the support and care you need. 

A Gift of Hope Adoptions offers adoption counseling and emotional support. Ask about the opportunity to receive pregnancy-related support such as rent payments, medical care, legal expenses, food, etc. 

Contact A Gift of Hope Adoptions to discuss your situation and determine if adoption is right for you. Please fill out our online form or chat with someone immediately. We’re ready to help you take your next step forward.

This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.

What Questions Can We Answer?

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Elizabeth and A Gift of Hope have been a touchstone during our adoption process. Having had issues with a previous agency – Elizabeth was a breath of fresh air! Reassuring, supportive and empathetic. We are so in love with our daughter and thank A Gift of Hope everyday for her!

AGOHA is a great agency that has provided amazing support and guidance though the adoption process. Would highly recommend AGOHA!

Our family has used their services for adoption. It’s wonderful dealing with someone who is looking out for the whole child, not just placing kids.

A Gift of Hope Adoptions is a Godsend for so many expectant young mothers. I completely recommend this organization for anyone interested in providing a wonderful life for their soon-to-be baby. This organization is also a Godsend for those of us who cannot have our own biological children.

I have recommended A Gift of Hope Adoptions to several mother’s considering adoptions for their babies. They have been so happy to feel supported and empowered through their decision.
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“We adopted both of our sons through A Gift of Hope Adoptions. They helped us every step of the way and answered all the questions we had, and we had a lot! We would not be where we are today, with two busy boys in our family, if it wasn’t for A Gift of Hope.”

“We decided to use A Gift of Hope Adoptions because they are very personal and caring. The wait and uncertainty of adoption seemed daunting, but A Gift of Hope helped make the process go smoothly, and we couldn’t be happier with our beautiful child.”