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Open adoption is a term generally used to describe a variety of arrangements allowing for ongoing contact between the natural/birth/biological parent(s), and a child placed for adoption. Open adoption is a relatively new phenomenon, and differs from closed adoptions, where no contact is generally facilitated, unless and until one party attempts to search for the other, or both parties register with one of the many adoption contact registers.

An underreported fact is that open adoptions are not legally enforceable agreements in many jurisdictions. The adoptive parents may terminate all contact with the birth parents at any time and for any reason.

The definition of what exactly constitutes an open adoption is open to question. In its most restricted form, in some adoptions, the mother of the child being placed for adoption may select the adoptive parent(s) from several options presented to her by an adoption agency. Some adoption agencies may describe this as an open adoption.

However, the term is usually understood to mean an adoption where there is some level of ongoing contact. This can range from as little as an annual exchange of cards or letters and photographs (often also described as a semi-open adoption), to arrangements which provide for regular meetings and visits between the natural/birth/biological parent(s) and the adoptive family.

Proponents of open adoption maintain that such adoptions are better for the child and represent best child-centred practice.