Depression and adoption

[BeautyforAshes]

Does anyone know if there is anywhere or any way that a person being treated for depression can adopt a child?

[DTmama1]

The joke goes with foster care and adopting through foster care that if you aren't on mental health medication when you start, you will be shortly into it! (A joke that was true for me... ) So long as you are seeking treatment, stable, and sticking with it, you can do foster care while being treated for depression.  

[miche28]

I believe that you can - adoption/fostering doesn't require you to be "perfect", the important thing is that you're getting treatment and have measures sin place to manage any challenges that arise. However, there are some international countries where mental illness of any kind can be a barrier, even PPD in some cases. So it's worth asking and being upfront with your agency if that's something you are considering.

[carol7906]

One of my good friends adopted from China with a history of depression.  I think she just had to get a letter from her psychiatrist and therapist.

[Spock]

Originally Posted by carol7906 

One of my good friends adopted from China with a history of depression.  I think she just had to get a letter from her psychiatrist and therapist.

The rules changed in 2007 and now you have to be off any psych meds for a certain amount of time.   I can't remember exactly how long but I think it was something like 2 years.