American Adoptions specializes in semi-open adoptions, or adoptions in which some contact is maintained with the birth parents. However, key identifying information, such as last names and addresses, remains confidential. We also handle closed and open adoptions, when requested by the birth parent.
Families who join American Adoptions are asked to sign an adoption picture and letter agreement to provide these items to the birth parents should they request them. Typically, pictures and letters are sent once within the first 30 days of birth, twice a year for the first 5 years (every 6 months) and then once a year around the child's birthday from ages 6 to 18.
This is either done directly between the adoptive parents to the birth parents, or more commonly through the agency. In this case, the adoptive family mails the adoption pictures and letters to American Adoptions. Our agency then repackages the items, removing any identifying information such as the address, and then forwards the items to the birth parents. This system allows adoptive families to maintain contact with the birth parents, but ensures the confidentiality of their last name and address.
In some cases where birth fathers are involved, the adoptive family will be asked to send in more than one adoption letter and picture package so that both the birth mother and birth father can receive updates. ...