Out scouting around for interesting topics I came across this interesting PDF written by Karen Lundbland, LCSW concerning mediation in open adoption arrangements.

Lundbland has been in private practice as a full time mediator since 1998 in Eugene, at both the University of Oregon and Portland State University. While I personally cannot vouch for her services, I was very intrigued by the aforementioned article she wrote about mediating in open adoption arrangements. She has quite a few interesting points of which I will highlight just a few here. I encourage anyone who is considering mediation to have a look over this document. No matter where you find your help, you will find information to get you off in a good direction.

To begin with Lundbland outlines that mediation in an open adoption is about relationship and communication. She imparts what I have also said here, that no matter if you are in an open or closed arrangement the “presence” of your child’s birthfamily is always with you. How you choose to address that presence, in a positive or negative manner, will make all the difference for your child.

The article continues with Lundbland stating that she prefers...

"to use the term cooperative instead of open, because rarely is the adoption really open.”

To my thinking that could apply to almost every adoptive situation because the authority to carry out the exchange of contact really rests with the adoptive parents. Seldom does the birthfamily have any legal recourse to see that an open agreement is followed. Lundbland also notes that for true trust to be formed ALL parties must be involved and actively working toward that end.

The article also address in depth situations where child abuse and neglect have occurred and deciding when contact is (and isn’t) feasible. An overview is included about something she calls “restorative justice.” There is an outline with six main points that explain Lundbland’s core beliefs in this restorative justice and their relevance in open adoption mediation. While she does not appear to advocate contact in all such situations, she does provide hope for healing and some level of understanding that can be gained even in a placement that resulted from abuse and negelect.

In closing Lundbland describes the benefits to be gained from open adoption mediation, and has links to her own website as well as a location to find mediation services in your area.

www.mediate.com

Overall an informative read if your are considering moving toward mediation in your current situation, or perhaps opening a closed adoption arrangement