There are many levels of openness in adoption. Birth parents and adoptive parents are encouraged to create an open adoption agreement that suits their comfort level. Different examples of openness can include sharing letters, photos, name selection, different communications, and meetings. Exchange frequencies and methods vary from one family to the next. Extended family relationships in an open adoption are developed so that adopted children will be able to have ongoing relationship opportunities with members of their birth family. Open adoption is child centered. It may help your child develop a strong sense of identity by having contact with members of their birth family. In an open adoption, their questions about their birth family background can be provided to the child on an ongoing basis.