Definitions of Openness
Open Adoption: Full names, addresses and other identifying information is shared, communication happens directly between the birthparents and adoptive parents, on-going communication may include letters, pictures, visits, etc.

Semi-open Adoption: Often only first names are shared along with other non-identifying information, communication occurs through the intermediary services of Catholic Charities, letters and pictures are sent through the agency.
Traditional Closed Adoption: No identifying information is shared between the adoptive parents and birthparents, Catholic Charities intermediary services may be used to exchange letters and pictures.

Openness Choices You Have
Some options include, but are not limited to…

• Birthparents may review adoptive couple profiles, read “Dear Birthparent” letters, and view photographs of the adoptive couple reflecting their life style.
• Birthparents may have a pre-selection, face-to-face meeting, with the potential adoptive parents before or after the child is born. Discussion may include relationship development, future communication, openness, hospital plan, and placement.
• Birthparents may make plans for future communication with the adoptive parents through a Good Faith or Communication Contact Agreement.
• Birthparents may request and review the adoption home study per agreement with adoptive parents.
• Birthparents and adoptive parents may be in contact during the pregnancy through letters and/or visits.
• Birthparents may determine to have the adoptive family at the hospital during delivery or while the baby is in the hospital.Regardless of when you start the process of adoption planning, any and all of these options are available to you.

Catholic Charities has office locations in Winona, Rochester, Austin, Albert Lea, Mankato, Owatonna, and Worthington. If birthparents cannot get to one of our office locations we will come to you.

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