Closed Adoption


Definition of Closed Adoption

Closed adoption refers to a process where an infant gets adopted by a family, and the name and other important records of the biological family are kept confidential or sealed. In a closed adoption, the name of the biological father is not even found on the original certificate of birth. It is also known as a "secret" or "confidential" adoption.



Closed Adoption Explained

In the case of an older child being adopted, it is not possible to keep the records of their original family hidden since they probably already know about them.

During the post-WWII era, closed adoption was the most popular adoption method. These days, however, the open adoption process is more commonly used, but the practice of closed adoption still exists.

The main reason behind sealed records is to prevent the original family and adoptee from finding each other.