My son was adopted when he was 3 years old. It wasn't a decision we wanted or chose. There was no abuse or neglect; my son was, and still is, cherished deeply. Despite this, the adoption went through, and I held onto the hope of maintaining some form of contact through yearly letterbox communication. Sadly, for ten long years, I received nothing. I was let down by a system that was meant to help and support families. I was mentally unwell and denied help and then had my son taken away from me after fighting for him for 3 long years.

Finally, after pushing for an explanation, I discovered that a system for communication had been set up from the start, but nobody informed me, and the adoptive parents never engaged. With determination, I began to write, hoping to bridge the gap that had grown over the years. Yet, there is currently no obligation for the adoptive parents to respond, and after months of waiting, I received only a single letter.

This personal experience highlights a vital gap in the adoption process – the lack of mandatory communication between birth parents and adoptive families. Implementing a requirement for adoptive parents to engage in yearly letterbox contact, except in specific circumstances like cases of extreme abuse, will ensure that both birth families and adoptees have a consistent connection. This approach not only supports the emotional well-being of birth parents who are left wondering but also benefits adoptees who can maintain ties to their origins.

According to the Adoptive Families Association of America, maintaining some form of contact, even if minimal, helps adoptive children with their identity development and emotional health by knowing where they come from. Moreover, a survey conducted by the National Survey of Adopted Parents indicates that open adoptions, which foster some level of communication, generally feel more fulfilling to the children involved.

This initiative can be fulfilled by setting legal obligations for adoption agencies to facilitate yearly contact. Establishing transparent communication channels can ensure that birth parents and adoptees are kept informed and engaged.

Please help make a necessary change. Ensure that families like mine, and the children involved, are given the opportunity for connection and closure that they need and deserve. Sign this petition for mandatory yearly letterbox contact in the adoption process, safeguarding the rights and emotions of countless families involved.