If anyone is talking to you about a possible open adoption for your foster child, we encourage you to take advantage of this free service.

What is Open Adoption?
Why Is Legal Representation Important For Foster Parents Who Are Adopting?
How Can I Get An Attorney When I Can’t Afford Legal Fees?


What is Open Adoption?
For many years Connecticut has recognized and approved of private contracts between the biological parent and adoptive parent that allow the biological parent to have some form of ongoing contact with their child after adoption. Recently, a law was passed that creates a more formal process for open adoption and allows the court to oversee some of these agreements. The new law does not preclude the parties from continuing to enter into private agreements.
An agreement in any form is only done when the foster/pre-adoptive parent and biological parent are willing to agree to the specific terms negotiated in the agreement. The terms of the agreement usually permit the biological parent to have some communication, contact and/or information about the child after adoption is finalized.

Why Is Legal Representation Important For Foster Parents Who Are Adopting?
The agreement is a legal document. As a foster parent intending to adopt a child, you will need to decide what is best for you as well as the child. Under this project, foster parents would have legal counsel to review the risks and benefits of entering into the proposed agreement.
The attorney will explain how these agreements work and will help you decide what level of contact, if any, should occur after the adoption. After consulting with your attorney, you may choose not to enter into the agreement.
If, however, you choose to enter into an agreement, the attorney can represent you in negotiating and drafting the agreement. The attorney can help you understand the range of options that might be part of an agreement. For example, an agreement might be limited to communication by letter or cards on holidays, or it could specify regular visits between the child, biological parents, and /or biological relatives.

How Can I Get An Attorney When I Can’t Afford Legal Fees?
There is no charge for this service if you use an attorney approved by CAFAP. Call the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents, Inc at 860.258.3400 in the Hartford area or 1.800.861.8838 statewide and they will provide information on how to contact an approved attorney.