What do you need to understand about openness in adoption when you are first considering adopting?  In this course, we talk with Lori Holden, author of The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption, blogger, and adoptive mom.     

This course covers the following topics:

  • When people first start thinking about adoption they may come in with some preconceived ideas about open adoption. 
    • Open adoption is basically co-parenting.
    • Open adoption will make me feel less like the mom. I will feel like I’m competing for the role of mom. 
    • Open adoption is confusing to kids.
    • Open adoption means I’m adopting the whole family even though all I really want to adopt is the baby. 
    • Open adoption is messy. Open adoption is complicated.
    • Open adoption is not worth the trouble.
  • How to maintain an attitude of openness.
  • Is contact exclusively through the adoption agency or adoption attorney?
  • Helping extended adoptive family members come to terms with openness.
  • How to handle if your child says “you’re not my real mom”.
  • Slightly annoying grandmother rule.
  • Importance of birth siblings. How the existence of children that the birth parents are parenting affects adopted children.
  • How to honor the spirit of openness without contact.


*Your course will remain active for 180 days from purchase date.

  • $20.00

    What You Need to Know About Open Adoption
    When You're Thinking About Adopting

    Purchase Course

This course aligns with the following regulatory requirements.

Virginia Compliance

22VAC40-131-210.A.18

22VAC40-131-210.A.19



*Important Information for agencies on Virginia core competencies.


Illinois Licensing Standard §401.520

*Important Information for agencies on Illinois Adoption Requirements.


Nebraska Licensing Requirement 005.16(D)

*Important Information for agencies on Nebraska Adoption Requirements.

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