Indiana Home Study

Indiana Adoption and the Truth About Open Adoption

Open adoption has become the “gold star” approach in modern adoption practices. Stories of families that live in harmony and agencies that require mandatory visits—regardless of individual circumstances—often make the concept appear unquestionable. However, much like the diversity present in every adoption story, it’s important to evaluate both the benefits and risks of open adoption to make the best decision for your family.

What Tapestry Adoption Believes About Indiana Open Adoptions

At Tapestry Adoption, we believe that one of the most healing aspects for a biological mother is having access to updates and pictures of her child.

While some birth mothers initially resist ongoing contact—believing it will be too painful—we ask our adoptive families to upload updates through our private, secure portal. Even when not immediately requested, we have seen that these updates often become a vital part of a birth mother’s emotional process over time.

Some birth parents may seek more than pictures and letters; they may want visits and ongoing relationships with the child. The number of visits, the location, and the nature of the relationship can vary dramatically from family to family.

If you’re considering adoption in Indiana, understanding both the benefits and potential risks of open adoption is a critical piece of your education.

Benefits of Open Adoption in Indiana

  • Clarity of identity – The child gains a better understanding of their adoption story and personal identity by maintaining access to their heritage and birth family background.
  • Emotional connection – Ongoing contact can help a child maintain a sense of connection and reduce feelings of abandonment.
  • Peace of mind for birth parents – They often experience reassurance knowing their child is safe, loved, and thriving.
  • Stronger relationships – Open communication fosters mutual support and extended family-like relationships between adoptive and birth families.
  • Expanded love and support – The child may benefit emotionally from strong relational ties with both families.

Risks and Challenges of Open Adoption in Indiana

  • Emotional complexity – Expectations around contact can be misaligned, leading to emotional tension and miscommunication.
  • Recurring grief for birth parents – Watching a child grow in another family may trigger difficult emotions over time.
  • Boundary struggles – Adoptive families may feel overwhelmed if healthy boundaries aren’t established early.
  • Child confusion – Children may experience conflicting loyalties or emotional confusion between birth and adoptive families.
  • Concerns for safety – If a birth parent struggles with substance use or mental illness, ongoing contact must be carefully managed for the child’s wellbeing.

Navigating Open Adoption Successfully in Indiana

No two open adoptions are alike. The level of openness depends on the needs and wellbeing of the child, and the stability of the adults involved.

What’s most important is building a plan that prioritizes the child’s emotional and physical safety while honoring the identity of everyone involved. Open adoption can be successful and healing when built on transparency, mutual respect, and clear boundaries.

Tapestry Adoption helps guide both adoptive and birth families through this process to create a child-centered approach to openness.

Start Your Indiana Adoption Journey with Support

Whether you are a hopeful adoptive parent or an expectant mother considering adoption, Tapestry Adoption is here to support you.

We serve families across Indiana, including in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, and surrounding areas. Our experienced staff provides guidance and resources tailored to each adoption journey.

To learn more about our open adoption support or to request a free consultation, visit the Tapestry Adoption Agency website at https://www.tapestry-adoption.com.

Additional Resources on Open Adoption




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