Historically, adoptions have been "closed," meaning that adoptive parents' and the birthparents' identities were kept secret from one another with no contact or exchange of information. Records were sealed permanently. The face of adoption has changed drastically in the past several decades, as adoptions have become more "open." Volunteers of America has been a long-time advocate of open adoption.

In our program, birthparents and adoptive couples are able to negotiate the degree of openness appropriate for them.  For some, this may mean telephone calls, letters or visits before and after the birth of the child. For others, the degree of openness may be different.

With open adoption:

Birthparents Can

• choose the adoptive couple who will rear their child
• have telephone calls and visits with the adoptive parents before and after the birth
• receive pictures and updates about the child know about their child’s whereabouts feel a sense of security and comfort
• have confirmation that the child is loved and cared for.

The Child Can

• be free from unanswered questions about why she or he was placed for adoption
• have letters, videos, photos and gifts from the birthparents
• have answers to questions such as "who do I look like?"
• be free from obsessions with "unknowns" later in life.

Many of the unknowns associated with closed adoptions are nonexistent.

Adoptive Parents Can

• know the connection between their child and the birthparents
• receive updates about birthparents, rather than wondering how they're doing
• become part of the child’s and birthparents' lives early in the pregnancy
• be free from fears that can surround adoption and birthparents
• have a way to help the child contact the birthparents when the child is ready or has questions.

The majority of our placements are in Louisiana.  We believe that placing a child in the state where the birthparents live makes it easier for the birthparents to visit and have a relationship with the child and adoptive parents.