Mental illness and adopting...

[Bella_IP]

I was talking to a good friend of mine tonight, and he and his wife are wanting to adopt, but they have an issue that they are not sure if it will affect their chances.

He went through a messy divorce 4 years ago, and suffered some depression during the process. When he became overwhelmed, he felt it best to seek help, and was hospitalized for 5 days, for the depression. He has since had no other issues, aside from taking medication for Attention Deficiet Disorder.

During a home study or the application process, are you asked about prior hospitalizations or mental health issues? If so, has anyone dealt with this? Or could this be something they wouldn't have to disclose?

Basically, is there any way that this loving, sweet, kind couple, who would be GREAT parents, can adopt? Or is one event in his past going to prevent them from being parents?

Thanks!!

[mamarhu]

I am sure the details will depend on the state you are in, the agency, the person doing the homestudy, and the prospective man himself. A history of mental health problems is not necessarily a deal breaker - especially if they were treated and have not recurred. It is likely that he would be asked for at least a letter from his doctor or therapist, confirming that his mental state is such that he could be a good parent. Perhaps they would require more testing. Put right, this can even be seen as a strength: he had a problem, but knew how to seek help.

[Spock]

We are adopting from China and they've just changed the rules to say that it has to be at least 10 years since a prospective parent was on any medication for a mental illness. So, I think China might be out for them depending on the details of their situation.

During the homestudy, we had to fill out medical forms and there was a form specifically for mental illness. The treating doctor fills it out and explains whether or not the person's illness would have any effect on their ability to parent.

The rules vary so much for different types of adoption that it would probably be a good idea for your friend to contact a couple of agencies and see what they say. Hopefully they'll be able to find a program that works for them.

[momofcutie]

I was just wondering this exact thing! I have bipolar disorder (diagnosed and stable on meds since 2002) and OCD and my husband has ADD and (treated) depression. Our son has a mild autism spectrum disorder.

We looked into international adoption a couple years ago and found out that many countries will not allow you to adopt even for health problems (I also have Crohn's Disease.) Russia told us no... I was told Korea, at that time anyway, had WEIGHT restrictions for the prospective parents!

It's different domestically, but I wonder what you have to disclose to birth parents if you were doing an open or semi-open adoption. Of course, I'd disclose it to the social worker doing the home study-but what about birth parents?

Also, we're considering adopting through DHS. Maybe I'm overly optimistic about it, but I wonder if all our--treated and stablized--challenges would possibly be seen as strengths to DHS. After all, we already have a son with "special needs" who's needed special education, occupational and physical therapy, and he's improved so much from ages 2-4 and now. Because I am "med-compliant," I don't think I'd have a problem getting a letter from my doctor.

[rredhead]

Not a Problem in the US

Hi!
We adopted domestically through a facilitator, however, I asked all the agencies we dealt with about our health issues. I have a minor disability and DH is taking meds for depression. We were always told that our health wouldn't be an issue. I did get a note from my doctor stating that my issue doesn't prevent me from parenting. You would have to disclose the mental health stay in the home study, but it probably wouldn't deter the adoption agency. If it does, find another agency.
International is all different, and the health requirements vary, so I can't speak to that.
Good luck!

[Buddhamom]

Our b-mom had the right to read our homestudy (not medical records) if she chose to and ours is semi-open. I believe every b-parent has that right. After all, they are placing the most precious gift of all with you. You MUST be honest with your SW. There are a lot of people who have adopted with depression. A SW will want a note from a dr. stating you are fine now and it isn't an issue from what I have heard from others.