Openness in adoption refers to various forms of communication between birth parents and adoptive parents, such as the exchange of pictures, letters and gifts, meeting but not having ongoing contact, or meeting on a first name basis.

Open Adoption - A plan is set for continued contact after placement.

Mediated Open Adoption - planned communication between birth parents and adoptive parents while the child is growing up. A written agreement is usually made. The agreement is mediated by an adoption professional.

Semi-Open Adoption - birth parents and adoptive parents stay in contact through an intermediary. Identifying information may or may not have been exchanged. (Most common type of openness through CAS.)

Closed or Traditional Adoption - birth parents and adoptive parents do not meet, do not share identifying information and do not keep in contact. (Very uncommon, only if birth parent desires this type of adoption.)