We love this question! Open adoption means that there is some form of contact or relationship between the birth and adoptive family after placement.  Adoptions can range from closed to semi-open to fully open.  We believe openness is in the best interest of all parties as it gives adoptees access to information about their heritage and birth family and allows for more people that love the child to be part of their lives.  It is not co-parenting and does not mean that the birth family has daily contact.  Below is a brief description of the range of options available. A closed or confidential adoption means there is no exchange of identifying information and you do not meet the birth family. Closed adoptions are very rare and are facilitated at the request of the birth family only. A semi-open adoption means you stay connected with your birth family with the agency as a mediator. This arrangement involves the exchange of pictures, emails or letters, and often involves visits. An open adoption involves ongoing contact and visits with the birth family without the agency as a mediator. This type of relationship usually evolves over time, typically beginning as a semi-open adoption.