A close adoption is one where there is no contact between the child and the birth parents. This is also sometimes called a confidential adoption.
An open adoption, on the other hand, indicates that the child and the birth parents still have a relationship. They may spend time together or at least to be in contact through phone calls, visitations, letters, text messages and more.
It is a common trope in movies and TV shows for adoptions to be closed. Children will sometimes find out in dramatic fashion that they were adopted, and they had no idea until that moment.
But in reality, most adoptions are open. Some sources report that this is true for 95% of modern adoptions in the United States. Adoptions do still occur, and the degree to which an adoption is open can differ a bit from case to case, but open adoptions are the norm.
What are the benefits?
There are many potential benefits. For example, it is helpful for a person to have information about their medical history. Having contact with their birth parents and even their extended family may help them make prudent medical decisions moving forward, as they learn about what types of conditions they should expect or ailments that run in the family.
Open adoptions can also be easier for the parents who are putting their children up for adoption. A young birth mother may still love the child and want a relationship, despite knowing that adoption is a better option to give the child a financially stable and secure upbringing. An open adoption allows them to still have a close bond.
Whether you are going through an open or closed adoption, be sure you know what legal options you have and what steps to take.