Post-Adoption Contact Agreements - Why Make One?

Part 2: Why Make One?

Adoptive and birth families, adoption professionals, jurists, and policy makers are increasingly noting the positive effects of varying degrees of openness in adoption [see Openness in Adoption]. Openness includes post-adoption contact between the adopted person and birth family members, and the availability of original birth records and updated birth family medical information to adopted persons and their families.

Post-adoption contact agreements serve as the written commitment to the children.

Benefits to Families

Every situation is unique and each party will have individual goals for the agreement, but the primary benefit is that all parents are making a commitment to the child.

The actual process of writing the agreement can help all parties come to appreciate each others' strengths, dispel fears about each party's role in the child's life, and reassure all parties that the adoption will be a solid, lifetime commitment.

For parents of children in foster care who have been reluctant to move ahead with adoption because they fear losing contact, or who do not want to face involuntary termination of their parental rights, a mediated post-adoption contact agreement can ease their fears on both issues, and allow their participation in the placement.

While the agreement may or may not be legally recognized and/or enforceable [see Legalities], the very existence of a written document, prepared with respect and centered on the child, can serve as a reminder of this commitment, and encourage families to work through problems that may arise. Children learn from their parents and this example of accountability and unconditional commitment to family is an important lesson.

More of this Feature • Part 1: What Are They? Part 2: Why Make One? • Part 3: How to Make One • Part 4: Legalities Related Resources • Adopting Parents Center • Legal Considerations • Placing Parent Resources • Glossary of Terms • Open Adoption • State Statutes for Enforceable Contracts

Benefits to Adoption Professionals

Agencies and attorneys offering mediation services for the preparation and maintenance of post-adoption contact agreements can benefit from greater client confidence - both placing and adopting parents, and see the results in more successful placements benefitting the child.

For public agencies seeking permanency for children in foster care, mediated agreements can help parents who want permanency for their children but fear losing complete contact and/or their child's loss of contact with siblings and/or other birth family members. Resulting benefits can include shorter stays in foster care, and more successful placements for the children. Time in court proceedings is also shortened considerably with the change from involuntary termination to voluntary relinquishment.

Benefits to Adoption Practices

As more adoption professionals offer mediation services for the preparation and maintenance of post-adoption contact agreements, more pre-adoption education for placing and adopting parents will be necessary - something that can only benefit everyone involved, most critically the children.

See Glossary definition:
Termination of Parental Rights

Next page > How To Make One > Page 1, 2, 3, 4

© Nancy S Ashe

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