Will history of mental illness keep me from being able to adopt?

mamabear121212 · August 2013

I am hoping the expertise and experience on this board can give me some insight into this question.

So, my husband and I have a biological child, but we've always wanted to adopt a sibling group or special needs child (basically, a kid or kids who would otherwise have trouble finding a home). In a perfect world we would adopt internationally from Latin America, but we are open to considering international adoption from other areas, domestic adoption, or foster care (with or without potential to adopt).

Unfortunately, I read recently that a history of mental illness may make it impossible to adopt. I definitely fit into the category of "history of mental illness." To give specifics, in case specifics help to answer my question: In high school I had a bout with anorexia and during that time attempted suicide. This was a very long time ago and never happened again, but of course I can understand how people trying to establish the stability of a home would be scared by any history of a suicide attempt. Then in my twenties, I developed Type II bipolar disorder, which is a mental illness that is not curable but is 100% treatable. I have taken my medicine every day and lived a completely normal life (got an advanced degree, got a job, got married, had a child, etc.). People who know me have no idea that I have a mental illness unless I tell them. Unfortunately, there's a widely held misconception that people with bipolar disorder are sociopaths, so I'm very concerned that this diagnosis would keep me from being able to adopt.

I don't want to lie or hide anything if asked about mental illness, so I think that there's a good chance that all of this would come out during the adoption process. So I am hoping you all can give me your thoughts: Is is unlikely that I will be able to adopt? Are their some adoption routes that are more likely to be successful than others? Although we hadn't planned to start the adoption process for a few years (we want to wait until we are a little more financially secure), I do want to know whether it's a possibility for me. Whether we can adopt will affect our decision on how many biological children to have, and I also don't want to go through the expense and heartbreak of failed adoption attempts if I know that we are unlikely to succeed. I am hoping that all of the experience on this board can give me a clearer answer than I can get from Googling.

Thanks very much for any advice or thoughts on this matter, and best of luck to all of you with your adoption journeys.

bumpuser794640 · August 2013

It probably won't be a problem for domestic or foster adopt, especially since you can presumably prove you're currently healthy and working with your doctor or therapist. International adoption is likely to pose a problem, most other countries have restrictions regarding any type of mental illness, even if you're treated.

CaptainSerious · August 2013

This will definately vary by country. I adopted from Peru, and while they don't have an outright ban on people with mental illnesses adopting, they are very concerned in making sure that adoptive parents are able to provide great homes, and would definately ask for lots of evidence of how you are living and dealing with your condition. Other countries may see it as an imediate disqualifier.

Dr.Loretta · August 2013

Agreed, this will likely be little/no issue for domestic or foster adoption, but will likely be either a disqualifier or a major issue for international. Your best bet is to contact agencies and ask them outright. That way you will know your options before you proceed further.

GL. Congrats on dealing with these illnesses in a healthy manner

crpate · August 2013

I'm sorry. All these things show you are a strong, brave woman with awesome things to teach a child.

sarahtoledo · August 2013

We are adopting domestically and both have a history of anxiety. MH's is milder, mine is controlled with meds. We were open about it and had no problems.

sarahtoledo · August 2013

Also, I'm not sure how old you are, but MH had a misdemeanor on his record from age 18 (he's 39 now) and they acted as if OF COURSE that wasn't an issue. Even though it kept me up many nights. :P

mysticl · August 2013

I used to do homestudies for foster care. As long as you are stable and taking your medication according to doctor's orders you should be fine for foster care or foster to adopt. As long as you are honest about. If you were to hide it and it came out later then it could be a problem.

Your experiences give you a unique perspective on what some of these foster kids are experiencing.

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