Open Adoption

In an open adoption, the adopted child can access the records relating to her adoption. Access is generally granted when the child reaches adult age-18 years in most countries. In an open adoption, the birth mother can also have access to the child, even after adoption. She is allowed to visit the child, communicate with her, etc. However, this depends on both the parties. Another feature of an open adoption is that the mother may meet prospective adoptive parents and decide which couple should adopt her baby.

Semi-Open Adoption

A semi-open adoption is similar to an open adoption, except that the birth mother does not have any physical contact with the child after adoption. Prior to the adoption, the mother is permitted to meet the adoptive parents. After the child is placed with them, she may continue to receive letters and photographs of the child, either directly or through the adoption agency she registered with. This may be for a few years or until the child reaches adulthood. At any point, a semi-open adoption may evolve into an open or closed type of adoption.

Closed Adoption

Closed adoption refers to an adoption process where there is absolutely no contact between the mother and the adoptive parents, neither before nor after the adoption. A closed adoption can occur by choice or according to the adoption laws in the country. Most closed adoptions permit the sharing of relevant information such as medical records. In some adoptions though, there is a strict enforcement of the rule, and no records are shared at all. This also happens when a child has been removed out of an abusive surrounding and is then put up for adoption.

Intra-Family Adoption

Adoption can be undertaken even within a family. Intra-family adoption commonly refers to a child being legally adopted by a step-parent, after the biological parent has remarried. An intra-family adoption may also occur when the child's parents die or are incapable of caring for the child. At this stage, an eligible family member may step in and offer to adopt the child. The advantage of an intra-family adoption is that the child is not completely uprooted from her culture and surroundings. This is especially important for older children.

Domestic Adoption

A domestic adoption refers to an adoption involving a mother and adoptive parents who are citizens of the same country. This type of adoption may also be referred to as intra-country adoption. In this process, a couple wishing to adopt a child will register themselves with a government-recognised agency. After registration, their personal details will be checked, and the investigating officer will certify if they are eligible to adopt a child.

International Adoption

As the name implies, international adoption refers to placing a child with an adoptive family who are citizens of another country. Not all countries permit international adoption. Countries that do allow this type of adoption have very strict rules and regulations governing the adoption. In India, for example, domestic adoption is given first priority. In the case of an international adoption, non-resident Indians (NRIs) or persons of Indian origin (PIOs) are preferred to foreign nationals. The adoption process for an international or inter-country adoption also takes longer than that for a domestic adoption.