It used to be the norm for adoptive parents to keep their adoptions a secret. Or, if the child knew he or she was an adoptee, it was especially rare for the adoptive parents and the child to know who the biological parent was.
Courts usually sealed the records associated with biological parents, and until the adopted child applied to unseal those records, the biological parents would remain a mystery. But what is the situation like today? Is it different?
How people adopt today
Although traditional adoptions can still happen, these days adoption is usually quite different. There are various options that parents may use, and many of them involve the child knowing and understanding details about his or her life before the adoption.
In the case of foreign adoptions, children often understand what part of the world they came from, and parents raise the children in such a way that they can continue speaking their native language, and even practice their native religious beliefs.
Triad adoptions are also common, in which the birth mother continues to be involved in the child’s life. This may involve monthly, weekly or daily visitations between the child and the birth mother.
Modern adoption agencies commonly keep records relating to the birth parents on file as well. They will even arrange meetings between the child and birth parents and readily provide information as requested by the adopted person.
Adoption is a gift to the world
The mothers who choose to bear their children and give them up to adoption have done a true act of service to bring a new life into the world. The mothers and fathers who take these children into their homes have also made a beautiful and sacred commitment.
If you would like to adopt a child, no matter the circumstances of the adoption, you will want to plan your adoption carefully. Make sure to have all of your legal ducks in a row and you, your new child and possibly the original birth parents can enjoy a healthy, supportive and loving relationship in the years to come.