THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, June 14, 1994                    TAG: 9406110429 
SECTION: DAILY BREAK                     PAGE: E1    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY ELIZABETH SIMPSON, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: 940614                                 LENGTH: Medium 

WHAT EXACTLY IS OPEN ADOPTION?

{LEAD} Open adoption is being called the new wave of adoption, a way of bringing children into the world without a history of secrets.

But just defining what open adoption is can be a matter of interpretation. Most regard it as any adoption in which the birth parents and the adoptive parents know each other before the adoption occurs.

{REST} That openness can range from a simple exchange of information about both families before the adoption occurs to the promise of the adoptive family to send once-a-year photos to an actual relationship between the birth parents and the child.

In some cases, birth mothers live with the adoptive parents until the baby is born. In others, birth parents take on the role of aunts and uncles after the birth, and share the upbringing of the child.

No one keeps track of the number of open adoptions, and the definition varies from one person to the next, but all agree that openness in adoptions, both independently arranged and through agencies, is increasing.

Jacqueline Celenza, community relations director for the Independent Adoption Center, in Pleasant Hill, Ca., defines an open adoption as having three characteristics: The birth parent and the adoptive parents choose one another. They have an opportunity to meet and get to know each other before placement. And there's opportunity for on-going contact.

``Adoption is moving more and more toward openness,'' Celenza said. ``The social work profession has recognized the need of adopted children to know where they came from.''

Proponents like Celenza say openness in adoption demystifies the process, making it easier for adoptees and birth parents alike. Birth parents get a say in who will adopt their child. Adoptive parents can learn about their child's heritage and medical history. And children will never have to conduct searches for biological parents.

Others in the adoption field, though, say it can make adoption uneasy, preventing bonding between the child and the adoptive parents and confusing children.

Agreements gone awry can leave prospective parents in the lurch, or put vulnerable birth mothers at risk of disappointment once adoptions are final.

``Open adoption can be used as a marketing tool,'' said Mary Ann Seader, vice president of the National Council for Adoption. ``What will it take for you to give us your baby? If we give you a picture every year? If we agree to see you three times a year?' We need to get back to the best interests of the child.''

The relationship often confuses children, and leaves adoptive parents feeling like they've adopted a birth parent as well as a child.

``What open adoption does is change the nature of adoption,'' Seader said. ``Everyone is vulnerable. You may have a woman waivering on the decision, and adoptive parents who have had four miscarriages who are standing there saying `You can't do this to us.' ''

Despite the risks it's clear more people are considering the option. When the Independent Adoption Center first opened 12 years ago they did about one open adoption every two weeks. Now they arrange two to five adoptions a week.

``It allows a child to know where they came from, and where they belong,'' Celenza said.

by CNB