openness agreements: part two the reality of openness · presented by © adoptive families...

Presented by

© Adoptive Families Association of BC [2016]

Openness Agreements: Part TwoThe Reality of Openness

Presented by


The Adoptive Families Association of BC

We are a non profit organization offering adoption information, education and support through a

province wide network of staff and volunteers.

We depend on the generous donations of our community members and our membership to continue to offer these

quality products.

www.bcadoption.com

Presented by


The Adoptive Families Association of BC

We are pleased to present thisIntroductory Level Webinar

to families across Canada

www.bcadoption.com/education

Presented by


This presentation was created by Beverly Viveirosand is copyrighted to AFABC.

Any use or duplication of this material is prohibited.

Presented by


Openness Agreements: Part TwoThe Reality of Openness


Presenter: Beverly Viveiros


Agenda

• Realities of Openness• Case Examples• Teens and Adoption• Challenges• Benefits• Review• Panelists: Harriet, adoptive parents, adoptee• Questions• Resources


Realities of Openness – video clip (press play/pause)


Realities of Openness

• Can be complex • Case specific• Innovation is key


Realities of Openness

• Acknowledge fears and biases• Acknowledge own values and beliefs • Not legally binding• MCFD/DAA supports

Openness Agreements for every child


Case Example 1: Aboriginal Sibling Group

• Aboriginal sibling group adopted by a family of aboriginal heritage in another part of the province



• Openness with birth parents and foster parents

• Cultural component to the Openness Agreement



• Visits back to the child home community and cultural community



• Quarterly skype/video link visits

• Email contact • Telephone contact

with foster parents was set up with parameters


Case Example 2: Aboriginal Foster to Adopt

• Aboriginal child adopted by a foster parent in her home community



• Child was a teen and was part of the Openness Agreement process



• Birth mom had access to an email address to keep connection



• Maternal Grandmother had more liberal openness

o Child felt comfortable attending her home as long as her birth mom was not there

o Child was comfortable meeting her in the community


Case Example 3: Non – Aboriginal Adoption

• Non aboriginal child adopted by a non aboriginal home –general adoption

• Child originated from another region of BC


Case Example 3: Non – Aboriginal Adoption

• Birth parents are unavailable

• Adoptive parents and birth mom can register with the Post Adoption Openness registry as well.


Positives of Openness – video clip (press play/pause)


Questions


Teens and Openness

• Most teen adoptions include some openness.

• Teens have memories and relationships that are important to recognize and maintain.


Teens and Openness

The internet and Facebook, and other social media platforms play a significant role for teens.


Challenges

• Geographical distances to overcome

• Access to the internet in some small and remote communities is lacking


Challenges

• Birth parents can be difficult to reach

• Birth parents may have confusion/anger around their role with the children


Challenges

• Adoptive parents may have concerns around intrusiveness

• Increases the complexity of the family structure• Ambivalent feelings around roles in openness


Challenges

• Adoptive parents feelings can be conflicted: meeting theirs and the child’s needs vs birth family members’ needs

• Child may experience conflicted loyalties

• Increases the complexity in parenting


Benefits

• Maintains family connections and relationships• Access to information about the child’s heritage • Children gain family instead of losing family


Benefits

• Reduction of feelings of guilt/shame and abandonment/unlovable

• Recognition of the child as a whole person with a history

• Easier transition for children as there is respect for their past


Benefits

• An ability to provide/gain ongoing health information

• Less fear for adoptive parents of possible family kidnapping the child

• Birth parents and adoptive parents are real to each other


Review of Openness

• Openness Agreements outline the extent of the openness

• Each agreement is unique


Panelists

• Harriet Fancott, Communications Expert, Adoptive parent

• Sarah Reid, Adoptive Parent


References

• Farlex Inc, (2003-2016). Legal Dictionary. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from The Free Dictionary by Farlex: http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Good+Faith

• MCFD. (2012, January). Adoption Worker Training program. Working with Prospective Parents Placing Children with Families. BC, Canada: Ministry of Children and Family Development.

• MCFD. (2016). Welcome to Adoption. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from Ministry of Children and Families: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption/index.htm

• Roberts, C. A. (1989, November/December). Openness, Honesty and Trust: The Benefits of Open Adoption. OURS.


Contact Us1-877 ADOPT-07www.bcadoption.com

Rebekah Craig [email protected]

Contact the presenterBev [email protected]

Presented by


A short confidential survey will arrive in your email box shortly.

Please take a few moments to share your comments on today’s webinar.

Thank you!


Thank you!

openness agreements: part two the reality of openness · presented by © adoptive families...

Documents