The role of open adoption in the adjustment of adopted children and their families

Findings from a four-year study of over 700 adoptions by non-foster parents indicate that openness has decreased or ceased among a large proportion of adoptions, primarily among those adoptive families who chose openness at the recommendation or insistence of the adoption agency or agent. For all families in the fourth year of their adoption, satisfaction levels and other indicators of adjustment are very positive, with openness bearing little relation to adjustment at this point.