An outspoken and ardent advocate for openness in adoption, James Gritter writes of the need for members of the adoption triad to emphasize services that benefit adoptees first and foremost. Open adoption serves children first by reversing the traditional hierarchy - by treating adoptive families as resources for birth families. Adoptive parents, birthparents, and adoptees come together in a spirit of extended family that helps the participants overcome the fear, pain, shame, and loss of adoption with honour, respect, and reverence.

Drawing on the profound insights of contemporary thinkers in the fields of adoption, theology, philosophy, and literature, Gritter guides the reader along a spiritual journey that explores the candor, commitment, community, and cooperation that defines successful open adoptions.