In this informative and personal presentation, Grade 11 adoptee Sumalee Martinflatt shares her perspective on openness in adoption and invites adoptive and permanency parents to watch.
What is openness?
Openness is the concept of maintaining ongoing relationships or contact between the child, birth family, and adoptive, foster, or kinship caregivers.
Openness can come in many forms. Practicing a version that is right for your family helps create greater ongoing connections and gives your child a deeper knowing of their identity and the various people who love and care for them throughout their lifetime.
Below are some key concepts surrounding openness that, when practiced, can significantly increase adoptive and permanency children’s and families’ health and wellness.
Structural openness
Policies or practices that support open relationships, such as open adoption agreements.
Psychological openness
The emotional readiness of caregivers to talk openly about adoption-related matters.
Relational permanency
A network of enduring emotional connections that supports a child’s identity and well-being.
Cultural mentorship
Support from cultural figures, such as Elders or Knowledge Keepers, who help guide the child’s development.
Shared parenting
A concept where caregiving responsibilities are honoured across families or communities, particularly in Indigenous cultures.
Life book
A personal record, such as photos, stories, and names, that helps the child understand their identity and life history.
NEW! Openness and Identity online workshop
Want to learn more about openness, identity, and belonging in adoption?
Join our free Openness and Identity online workshop, co-facilitated by Sumalee Martinflatt, the Grade 11 adoptee who created the presentation above, and Ashleigh Martinflatt, an adoptive parent and permanency professional.
Together, they will explore the evolving concepts surrounding openness in adoption, including communication with birth family members, navigating complex emotions, supporting identity development, and creating environments where children feel safe asking questions about their story.
Date: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Format: Zoom
