Open Adoption – Catholic Charities

What Is Open Adoption?

Historically, adoptions have been “closed.” This meant the identities of both the adoptive parents and the birth parents remained confidential. There was no contact or exchange of information, and adoption records were permanently sealed.

Today, adoptions have become more “open”. In fact, most adoptions today are open adoption. Open adoption means the birth parents and adoptive parents negotiate the degree of communication appropriate for them. This includes meetings and visits before and following the birth of the child.

Advantages to “Openness”:

The Birth Parents

Have the ability to choose the adoptive couple that may rear their child.
Have the opportunity to establish a relationship with the potential adoptive parents before the birth of the baby.
Can have ongoing contact with their child after placement.
Are knowledgeable about the whereabouts of their child.
Are provided with a sense of security and comfort because they can see their child is being loved and cared for.

The Child

Helps eliminate the unanswered questions about why he/she was placed for adoption.
Provides the child with a relationship with his/her birth parents, which answers questions such as “Who do I look like?”.
Helps the child to understand the terms of adoption (birth parents and adoptive parents), and to distinguish the differences between each.
Prevents an obsession with “the unknowns” later in the child’s life. Most of the unknowns associated with closed adoption do not exist in open adoption.

The Adoptive Parent

Provides their child with a connection to his/her birth parents.
Allows the adoptive parents to have direct contact with the birth parents, rather than wondering how the birth parents are doing.
Allows the adoptive parents to become part of the child and birth parents’ life during the pregnancy.
Removes many of the fears surrounding adoption and birth parents.
Allows the adoptive parents to assist the child in contacting the birth parents when the child has questions.

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After a few unsuccessful attempts at conceiving, my wife and I feel so fortunate to have acquired some invaluable assistance from the adoption services of the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. We almost lost hope of having the opportunity to raise a family of our own, as Father Time waits for no one. But with the help of Catholic Charities, our patience paid off and our dream came to fruition! Through the process of open adoption we were eventually blessed with a baby girl in February of 2016, followed by a baby boy in March of the following year!

When we made the decision to adopt, we had no idea where to start, or where the journey would take us. Catholic Charities of New Orleans was the first, and only, agency that we contacted. The adoption process was as seamless as it could possibly be thanks to their wonderful staff. We are now the parents of two sweet, loving toddlers and would recommend Catholic Charities of New Orleans to anyone looking to begin their adoption journey.

We chose Catholic Charities for our adoption process because we knew how highly they prioritized the wellness and care of the birth parents. Because adoption is such a complex reality, we wanted our adoption process to care for all involved. Catholic Charities offered compassionate guidance during our home study and adoption process, but also long after our adoption finalization—for us, our children, and our children’s birth parents. We have lifelong gratitude to the ministry and service we received as a family.

When we first came to Catholic Charities Adoption Services of New Orleans 11 years ago, we were welcomed by Danna Cousins. She listened to our past and cared about our feelings about adoption. She introduced us to Cindy Falgoust who is the liaison for birth mothers. Together they make a great team. We have adopted two children through this agency. Danna and Cindy are always asked about by our 8 year old. They care about all of their families as if they are their own. Our 8 year old loves seeing them during family visits with our 2 year old’s birth family. We have and always will recommend Catholic Charities to other families interested in adoption.

Our lifelong dream of becoming parents was fulfilled through Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New Orleans. After researching several agencies, the support and devotion for both the birth parents and adoptive parents led us to Catholic Charities. We felt an immediate personal connection with their staff. They are passionate about connecting forever families and nurturing those relationships. They patiently guided us through every step of the journey from the home study and paperwork to informative classes and pre and post counseling. We welcomed both of our children as infants, a daughter in 2013 and a son in 2014 and they are our biggest blessings. We are eternally grateful to Catholic Charities for completing our family and we still keep in touch.

We tried for over 10 years to have our family on our own. We prayed and tried to be patient. One day I was invited to my co-worker’s home and met one of her friends who had recently adopted a child through Catholic Charities. We heard about Catholic Charities before, but never thought about adoption as an option for our family. She shared so much positive information about this organization and the adoption process which brought a sense of hope and encouragement to our family. Once we took the initial step to complete the required documentation, we had our new baby within 1 year. The staff was awesome and readily available to address any concerns we had. We are so happy we decided to adopt.

I placed my daughter for adoption in 2019. I met with the staff at Catholic Charities earlier in my pregnancy and from the very moment I felt so welcomed and safe. I was very nervous about the process and what to expect during my journey, but Mrs. Cindy went through everything with me slowly and with so much love and compassion that I became less and less nervous about my decision. Mrs. Cindy was there through the whole process and continues to help me even to this day. I cannot say enough about the staff and how wonderful they have been to me throughout my journey.

My daughter chose to have an open adoption through Catholic Charites and it has been a blessing for our family. The support she received and continues to receive has been above expectations. Everyone there is very caring, knowledgeable, and supportive for all parties experiencing this difficult time. The support and resources Catholic Charities provides are truly helpful and centered for the best outcome possible.

After a long journey to become parents, Catholic Charities Adoption Services was a welcome relief to our family that blessed us with our first child. Catholic Charities not only made this process straightforward with their logistical support, but more importantly made the process meaningful and fulfilling with access to resources on becoming parents and navigating the adoption process. We felt well prepared when we met our daughter for the first time and we could tell the adoption process centered around love for our baby girl and setting up our new family for success. Catholic Charities Adoption Services helped provide us with the greatest gift we have ever received and we couldn’t be more thankful.

I was seventeen and beginning my senior year of high schoolwhen I found out I was pregnant. I began to explore the idea of adoption. My family wanted me to keep the baby and couldn’t understand how I could even think of giving her up, but I wanted to do what was best for my child.Even though I had doubts, I was sure of one thing – I loved my child. In the end it was clear to me that I had to make sure she had what she needed to be happy and healthy. I made the decision to place my daughter in an open adoption with a loving couple that I had chosen. Even though I am not raising my daughter, I will always love her and she will forever be a part of my life. I am so grateful to the staff of Catholic Charities for supporting me through this process.

It was completely unexpected when I found out I was pregnant. I knew right away I couldn’t parent my baby by myself. I decided to look into adoption. When I contacted Catholic Charities I was scared and confused. I had no idea what to do and had a lot of questions. The counselors there were a big help. They answered all of my questions and helped me through the process.I decided than an open adoption was best for my daughter and for me. Years later, I am very close with my daughter and her adoptive family and visit with them every few months. My daughter knows that I am her Birth Mother and that by placing her for adoption I was doing what was best for her. Seeing my daughter’s beautiful smile, and watching her grow and excel with this loving family is a daily reminder I did the right thing.