06/30/2025
What an honor it has been working for Vista Del Mar both as a full time employee in the adoptions and foster care department and as a contractor in the same department. It’s because of people like Reuben Panner that adoptions changed for the better and that we now have open adoptions!
Today we celebrate the legacy of Vista’s former Director of Adoptions and trailblazer in open adoption, Reuben Pannor.
Together with fellow Vista Del Mar social worker Annette Baran, Reuben authored the revolutionary book ‘The Adoption Triangle,’ which became a cornerstone of the open adoption movement.
Open adoption emphasizes the vital importance of fostering connections between adopted children and their birth families.
This groundbreaking approach transformed adoption practices forever. Prior to this influential work, the concept of birth parents maintaining relationships with children placed for adoption was virtually unthinkable.
The profound impact of open adoption has created countless meaningful bonds between adopted children and their biological families.
This photograph captures Reuben in his office on Vista’s campus in 1984. He passed away in early 2013. On behalf of the countless children and families whose lives you touched, we honor your memory.
For questions about our adoption services or to join one of our upcoming orientations , please call 310-836-1223 ext. 409 or email adoptions@vistadelmar.org
