Adoption is a lifelong journey and, for many families, one of the most complex and emotional aspects of that journey is navigating openness—how, when, and what to share between adoptive families, birth families, and adoptees. Whether you’re a foster parent, an adoptive parent, a birth parent or an adoptee, the path to building and maintaining healthy, respectful relationships can be filled with questions and challenges.
That’s where the Openness Consultation Service steps in.
What Is the Openness Consultation Service?
Offered by a team of experienced Post Adoption staff trained in non-legal mediation, this free service is designed to support members of the adoption constellation—adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents—as they explore and manage openness in adoption.
Funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the service is available to anyone whose adoption was facilitated through a Minnesota county or agency, as well as current Minnesota foster parents with active placements.
What Support Is Offered?
The Openness Consultation Service provides a safe, supportive space to explore a wide range of topics related to openness in adoption. Services include:
- Emotional Support: Adoption can bring up a wide range of emotions. Whether you’re feeling uncertain, hopeful, anxious or overwhelmed, the team is here to listen and support you.
- Interpersonal Communication: Learn how to communicate effectively and compassionately with others in the adoption constellation.
- Discussing Openness with Kids: Get guidance on how to talk to children about their adoption story and what openness means for them.
- Post-DNA Search Support: If you’ve recently connected with biological family through a DNA test, the team can help you process and navigate next steps.
- Openness Planning: Work with a consultant to create a plan that reflects your family’s needs and boundaries.
- Information Disclosure Guidance: Understand what information to share, when, and how to protect sensitive details.
- Connection to Continued Support: If you need ongoing help, the team can connect you with additional resources and services.
How Does It Work?
Once you reach out, you’ll be assigned a dedicated worker who will walk alongside you through the process. The service includes:
- Up to six sessions over a six-month period
- Flexible, personalized support tailored to your unique situation
- A non-judgmental, confidential environment
Who Can Use This Service?
This service is available to:
- Minnesota foster parents with current placements
- Adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents whose adoption occurred through a Minnesota county or agency
Whether you’re just beginning to explore openness or are facing a specific challenge, the Openness Consultation Service is here to help.
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple. Just reach out via email, phone, or register on our website:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651.646.7771
Once connected, your assigned worker will guide you through the next steps and begin scheduling your sessions.
Why Openness Matters
Openness in adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It can range from occasional updates to ongoing relationships, and it often evolves over time. What’s most important is that openness is approached with care, respect, and the best interests of the child at heart.
With this free accessible service, we want to help Minnesota families build stronger, healthier connections – because every member of the adoption constellation deserves to feel seen, heard and supported.