Open Adoption in Georgia [Stay Connected After Placement]
You love your baby, which is why you're considering adoption in the first place. Still, the idea of not knowing where your baby is or how they’re doing might be heartbreaking. Thankfully, modern adoptions look very different than what they once did. With open adoption in Georgia, you can stay a part of your baby’s life. You can choose their adoptive parents, get to know them and build a relationship that lasts a lifetime. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what open adoption means, how it works and how your adoption plan can reflect the future you envision. If you want to talk with an adoption specialist, you can fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION.
What Is Open Adoption in Georgia?
So, what is open adoption, exactly? It’s an arrangement where you and the adoptive family maintain contact before and after your baby is born. This could mean exchanging letters and photos, having phone or video calls or even visiting in person.
But here’s the most important part: You decide what that looks like.
Your adoption specialist will help you create a plan that matches your comfort level. You’ll choose the family, and we’ll make sure they’re open to the kind of communication you want. All families that work with us must be open to:
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Direct communication (email, text, calls, etc.)
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At least one in-person visit within the first five years
This level of openness helps your child grow up knowing who you are and how much you love them. Understanding the open adoption definition can help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
What Is an Open Adoption Agreement?
An open adoption agreement is a written plan that outlines the type and frequency of contact between you and the adoptive family after placement. These agreements are legally enforceable in Georgia. However, legal enforcement usually isn’t necessary. Most adoptive families honor these agreements because they understand how valuable that ongoing connection is for your child.
You might still be wondering, "How does open adoption work in real life?" It means you're not left in the dark. It means you can continue to be part of your child’s story as they grow. It also means you get to build a relationship with the adoptive parents — one that’s based on shared love and support for your child. Here are some common ways birth parents and adoptive families stay in touch: Texts Emails Phone calls Video calls Photos Letters Social media updates In-person visits Shared milestones How often this happens and what it looks like is completely up to you.What Does Open Adoption Mean?
Open Adoption Rules in Georgia
When it comes to open adoption rules, Georgia allows you and the adoptive family to create a written agreement outlining how you’ll stay in touch. This agreement is enforceable by law in Georgia. However, this isn’t usually necessary because families who commit to open adoption are serious about honoring those promises.
When you work with American Adoptions of Georgia, we take your vision seriously. We’ll only connect you with families who truly want that ongoing relationship and are committed to staying connected with you long-term.
What Rights Do Birth Parents Have in an Open Adoption?
When it comes to open adoption, you have several important rights:
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You decide what level of contact feels right.
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You choose the adoptive family that matches your values and preferences.
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You create a hospital plan that outlines how you want things to go during delivery.
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You can change your mind about the level of openness if your needs shift over time.
From start to finish, this journey is yours to guide.
If you’re not sure about open adoption and having direct communication with the adoptive family, you can consider a semi-open adoption. In a semi-open adoption, your adoption specialist serves as a go-between. You can still get updates, pictures and letters — but they’ll come through the agency rather than directly from the family. This can be a comforting first step if you’re unsure about how much contact you want. And the best part? You can change your mind. If, down the road, you feel ready for more direct communication, your adoption specialist can help you transition to a more open relationship.What Is Semi-Open Adoption in Georgia?
How Open Adoption Can Look for You
Open adoption is not one-size-fits-all. It’s shaped around you — your comfort level, your emotions and your healing timeline.
Even if you start with a fully open adoption, you don’t have to jump into contact right away. You can take time to heal and reach out when you're ready.
Many women say that getting to know the adoptive family before the baby was born helped ease their fears and created a real sense of trust. It can make placement feel less like a goodbye and more like the beginning of something meaningful.
And if you ever feel unsure about how to navigate conversations with the adoptive family, your adoption specialist will be there to guide and support you. Even after placement, we’re still here for you.
Open adoption is a way to choose a brighter future for your baby without giving up the chance to know and love your child as they grow. You can choose an adoptive family that wants the same kind of relationship you do. You can build a future that includes connection, love and mutual respect. And you don’t have to do any of it alone. Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our form to talk with an adoption specialist and start creating an open adoption plan according to your preferences.You Don’t Have to Say Goodbye
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