Adoption Support Group

hmm, I have yet to go through such a process.

But I'm here to help. From my understanding if someone is unfit to take care of themselves, or they have harmed themselves, they are no way eligible to adopt for two years. I'm researching for you now... be back soon.

Here's some things I found online.

How do I know if I would be suitable to adopt?

The following qualities are important in any adopter:

*Good General Health
*Stamina
*Open Mindedness
*Flexibility
*Realism about children
*Sense of Humour and Fun
*Patience
* Acceptance/tolerance

Who can’t be an adopter?

*People less than 21 years old.
* People with convictions for offences against children
*People with some medical conditions
*People who don’t have the additional space for a child in their home.

Thats all I have for the moment, but you have me interested into finding more answers and facts

I have also heard that to be true, someone told me they were looking to adopt and they were refused because of depression!

No, that is NOT true.

SOME specific agencies and a small number of specific countries will not work with you... BUT many agencies will not work with you if you are not X religion as well. It's their loss of a good parent.

The focus of a homestudy is "Is this person in the right space to become a parent? And are they adopting by choice? Can they handle it all?" That is it.

So, for example, if you were so ill (for any reason) that you couldn't reasonably take care of a child then yeah that will affect it. But it is pretty rare nowadays that someone gets denied by an agency for this reason -- I believe it's because people know their limits better than they did 20+ years ago.

IAs a former case manager for a adoption agency, I have never heard that.

We adopted my son through our state, out of foster care. We had a home study, criminal background check, financial check, etc. Multiple meetings with case workers and also had to get references. But don't recall this issue coming up at all. They look at if you are capable or raising a child. I think there are some people with depression who have no business being parents because they can't take care of themselves. But there are people who have depression who function just fine, or are doing ok on medication. I think it just depends on the person and the circumstance.

I have heard other people on here complain about getting turned away due to depression. Cannot speak from personal experience. There are so many agencies out there, so if one turned you down, I would keep looking.

Gosh, I hope not. I mean unless your depression is just majorly debilitating, I think it's probably a normal cycle of life. Interesting, that you are an adoptee, looking to adopt? My husband and I are pursuing adoption and think it would be helpful to get some insight from those who've adopted;.

thank you EVERYONE for your replies. they are GREATLY appreciated. I am not looking to adopt, my friend asked me that question and I wanted to get some insight on it for her.

AJ thank you SO much for ALL of your help :).

I am currently starting the adoption process and the paperwork asks questions about depression and if you have ever been hospitalized due to I believe mental illness.