Open Adoption

Contact Pages for Open Adoption Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Over the past 10 years there are basic questions that have been received over and over from families viewing these pages.  These questions are now being gathered on the Frequently Asked Questions pages being started.  Here are responses to the most often asked questions:

1. Q: Do you know of any good agencies that you recommend near where we live?
   
   A: It is impossible to keep up with the changes in agency staff and in the quality of services through every agency in the US.  That is the reason behind the Adoption Agency Selection Checklist linked on these pages.  An agency may be the best in town one year and then, due to staff turnover and/or a board action, will loose that status and no longer be recommended in any way. Staff quality and agency policy make a great difference.   If an agency supports the multiple items identified in the Adoption Agency Selection Checklist that is a major step in the right direction.
   
   There are several agencies I recommend based on the staff I know and everything they have done to fight for adoptee rights.  Those are Spence-Chapin in NYC, Holt International based in Oregon, Catholic Human Services in Traverse City, Michigan, and Buckner Maternity and Adoption based in Dallas.  These are only a very few of the many wonderful agencies now working in the US.  You must find one with staff in your area located a comfortable drive from your home.  It is hoped that using the Adoption Agency Selection Checklist will help you locate the best agency with staff in your area.
   
    

2. Q: I didn’t see any information about international adoption on the www.openadoption.org pages. What is your perspective was about it?  Does the physical distance between homeland of birth parents and adoptive parents magnify these issues for adopted children? Are there any agencies dealing with international adoption that do a better job at maintaining an open adoption philosophy?
   
   A: Yes, there are some wonderfully open international adoption agencies. The distance issues can be handled with extra effort moving to support an open adoption.  Holt International and Spence-Chapin are two good international agencies with excellent reputations in this area. Susan Soon-Keum Cox, Holt Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, is a person I consider a friend and a true advocate for children.  She herself was adopted through Holt and attends many adoption conferences advocating for open adoption records. The Holt web site is at http://www.holtintl.org/  
   
   Since I have no background in actually doing International adoption I have little knowledge of most international agencies.  While a few questions obviously do not fit, almost all of the other questions on the Adoption Agency Selection Checklist would also apply to international agencies. I would strongly recommend that, if you have the same philosophy of fully open adoption that EVERY adoption should be surrounded by, then go International.  The number of children awaiting placement through international agencies appears to be unlimited.
   
   The real problem in both domestic and international adoption is a severe lack of adopting families who are well educated and prepared in adoption issues.

If the answer to your questions has not been addressed yet above, then your comments and questions are especially welcomed.  Please email me at bbetzen@openadoption.org.

Bill Betzen, LMSW (Emeritus)
bbetzen@openadoption.org.
1-2-06

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