Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊpən ɐdˈɒpʃən] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "open adoption" is /ˈoʊpn̩ əˈdɑpʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced with the long "o" sound, while the second syllable has a reduced vowel "ə." The "p" sound in "open" is followed by a nasal "n" sound, represented by "n̩" in IPA. The stress falls on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a clear "a" sound followed by a "pʃ" cluster (representing the "ps" and "sh" sounds).
Open adoption is a term used to describe an arrangement in which biological parents and adoptive parents maintain a level of contact and communication after the adoption has taken place, allowing for some degree of ongoing involvement in the child's life. Unlike traditional closed adoptions, where birth parents and adoptive families have little to no contact, open adoption promotes transparency, communication, and connection between the two parties.
In an open adoption, there is typically an agreed-upon level of contact and sharing of information between birth parents and adoptive parents. This may involve regular visits, phone calls, letters, or emails, depending on the preferences and comfort levels of both parties involved. Additionally, open adoption often grants the biological parents the opportunity to have a say in the selection of adoptive parents and allows them to maintain knowledge of the child's well-being and development.
The purpose of open adoption is to create an environment where the child can forge and maintain connections with their biological roots, while also benefiting from the stability and care provided by their adoptive parents. Research suggests that open adoption can have several positive outcomes for all parties involved, including greater emotional well-being and identity formation for the child, a sense of closure and reduced feelings of loss for birth parents, and a stronger foundation of trust and understanding between birth parents and adoptive families.
Overall, open adoption is a progressive approach that recognizes the importance of nurturing and preserving connections between birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child, creating an extended family framework that supports the child's growth and development.
The term "open adoption" was coined in the United States in the 1970s. It combines the word "open", meaning accessible or unrestricted, and "adoption", which refers to the legal and social process of acquiring a child as one's own. The term was used to describe a new approach to adoption that allowed for ongoing contact and communication between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adopted child. This departure from traditional closed adoptions, where secrecy and confidentiality were the norm, coined the term "open adoption", highlighting the transparency and openness involved in this new approach.
